The Marin County Board of Supervisors voted Oct. 22 to introduce an ordinance that would establish a minimum floor price for tobacco and nicotine products, ban the sale of vaping and heated‑tobacco devices, and prohibit coupons and discounts that undermine price controls.

Key provisions in the staff proposal presented to the board include a $12 minimum price for commercial tobacco and nicotine pouches, minimum pack sizes to discourage single‑unit sales, a ban on sale of electronic smoking devices and heated smoking systems, a prohibition on coupons and discounts, and an automatic $1 price increase every two years to preserve the policy’s purchasing‑power over time.

Public health staff framed the proposal as part of a wider strategy that pairs pricing and retail restrictions with education and cessation services. Program staff noted Marin’s youth use figures and cited research linking price increases and vape restrictions to reduced youth access and declines in cigarette sales. Raven Twilling, a county youth program coordinator, told the board: “Nicotine is a neurotoxin. It’s highly addictive, and it causes changes in brain chemistry.” The county’s tobacco‑prevention program staff said they will continue school‑based education, community outreach, and referrals to cessation resources such as Kick It California and local community clinics.

Supporters and critics both spoke at the meeting. Public‑health advocates who testified included Bob Curry and Dr. John Ma, who told the board the measure would reduce disease and health‑system costs associated with tobacco. Ricardo Adam of a community health‑center network said regulation would help hold retailers accountable.

Small retailers and business advocates urged caution. Jaime Rojas, representing a group of local retailers, said the proposal “will hurt responsible but small businesses” and warned it could push lawful purchasers to neighboring jurisdictions.

Enforcement and implementation: County staff said tobacco retail licensing and a memorandum of understanding with the sheriff’s office provide enforcement capacity for county law in unincorporated areas; cities and towns may adopt similar rules locally. Staff said they will assist incorporated jurisdictions that wish to adopt parallel ordinances so the county does not create a patchwork of rules.

Board vote and timeline: Supervisor Lukin moved the introduction of the ordinance and Supervisor Colbert seconded. The board approved introduction on a recorded roll‑call vote: Lukin — Aye; Colbert — Aye; Rodoni — Aye; Milton Peters — Yes; President Sackett — Yes. The board scheduled final consideration and possible adoption for Nov. 18, 2025.

Why it matters: County staff said price floors and retail restrictions are proven to reduce youth tobacco uptake and disproportionately benefit communities that have been targeted by tobacco marketing. The proposal combines retail regulation with education and cessation supports; opponents warned of economic effects on small retailers and possible cross‑border purchases.