Oregon legislators propose Senate Bill 702 to limit flavored tobacco sales at liquor stores
April 08, 2025 | Early Childhood and Behavioral Health, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Oregon
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The discussion began with a proposal to amend Senate Bill 702, which would limit the sale of flavored tobacco to state-run Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) stores. This amendment seeks to create a controlled environment for the sale of these products, ensuring that they are only accessible in locations with strict age verification processes. Proponents of the bill emphasized that this approach would help mitigate youth access to flavored tobacco, which is often marketed in appealing flavors like strawberry shortcake.
Senator Reynolds highlighted the importance of this legislation as a public health advance, expressing concern over the potential for lifelong addiction among young people. He noted that OLCC stores already have robust age verification measures in place, making them a suitable venue for the sale of flavored tobacco products.
Senator Patterson shared a personal testimony during the meeting, revealing that he recently lost his brother to lung cancer, which was attributed to smoking that began at a young age. He expressed his belief that flavored tobacco products should not be available to children, reinforcing the bill's intent to protect youth from the dangers of tobacco addiction.
The committee also reviewed the broader implications of Senate Bill 702, which prohibits the distribution or sale of flavored tobacco products, bans free distribution of any tobacco products, and mandates that all tobacco sales occur at licensed retailers. Additionally, the bill allows local governments to impose stricter regulations than those set by state law.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of the bill in safeguarding public health, particularly for younger populations. The committee plans to continue discussions and refine the legislation as it moves forward in the legislative process.
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