Lafayette Takes Next Step In Ban On Flavored Tobacco Products

LAMORINDA, CA — The Lafayette City Council voted unanimously Monday evening to prepare an ordinance that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products within city limits and establish a licensing program for tobacco retailers to allow for the ban's enforcement.

There are currently 13 tobacco retailers in Lafayette, and if the ordinance passes they could be subject to fines of up to $500 if they are found to be selling flavored tobacco products in violation of city law more than once.

The proposed ordinance would define flavored tobacco products as any product made or derived from tobacco or nicotine that imparts a "characterizing flavor" such as fruit, candy, mint or an alcoholic beverage.

City staff said these flavors take the edge off tobacco's naturally harsh flavor and make the product more appealing to young people.

Unflavored tobacco products, however, would not be affected by the proposed ordinance.

City staff are planning to present the proposed ordinance at a hearing during the City Council's upcoming meeting on April 8. More information is available in a staff report, which has been posted online.

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— Bay City News