Council Backs Direction To End Tobacco, Nicotine Sales In Marin County Town

MILL VALLEY, CA — After extensive youth and health testimony, the Mill Valley city council on Monday unanimously instructed staff to draft an ordinance phasing out all commercial tobacco and nicotine sales in the city.

The Mill Valley City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance that would end commercial sales of tobacco and nicotine products in the city, following more than an hour of testimony from students, parents and health experts.

Kelsey Rogers, the assistant to the city manager, and Marin County Health and Human Services staff outlined three options: a minimum price law, a complete end to sales, or a hybrid that combines minimum pricing with a scheduled future ban. County staff reported that about half of 11th graders in Marin have tried vaping and that many modern vapes and pouches carry high nicotine doses.

“I’m in complete agreement [with pursuing] a full ban on tobacco products and nicotine products in all forms, present and future,” said Councilmember Urban Carmel.

Other councilmembers expressed unanimous support for a full phase‑out.

“I’m leaning towards the total ban on sales so we have a clear path toward a comprehensive ban on both tobacco and nicotine products with a defined future timeframe,” said Vice Mayor Caroline Joachim.

City Manager Todd Cusimano said staff will now notify the local tobacco retailers, gather input and return with a draft ordinance and timeline. The council did not set an effective date but told staff they want to see the ban implemented sooner than later, according to Cusimano.

High school students presented data to the Novato City Council on March 10 showing that youth nicotine use in their town also exceeds statewide averages, urging the council to strengthen local tobacco regulations.

Students, referencing the California Healthy Kids Survey, pressed the council to strengthen Novato's tobacco retail license with higher minimum prices, increased pack sizes, and a ban on discounts, coupons, e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches, citing similar local measures. The council took no immediate action on the proposed tobacco policy changes.