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Commission hears update on local e-cigarette ordinance and implementation plans
Summary
The Community and Public Health Committee reported that a San Francisco ordinance (introduced by Supervisor Maher and Mayor Ed Lee) will treat e-cigarettes as tobacco where smoking is banned and require permits for sellers; staff said youth and community groups were involved and pledged a rollout report to the commission.
The Health Commission received an update on local regulation of electronic cigarettes following a Community and Public Health Committee briefing.
The committee reported that an ordinance introduced by Supervisor Maher and Mayor Ed Lee will treat e-cigarette use the same as tobacco use in places where smoking is already prohibited and will require permits for establishments that sell e-cigarettes. Committee members emphasized youth exposure and aggressive marketing by e-cigarette vendors as primary concerns. "San Francisco once again is leading the nation and pushing for a ban to e-cigarettes," the committee report said, noting known carcinogens and heavy metals in some e-cigarette products and a lack of long-term studies.
Commissioners asked staff to explain the Department of Public Health—s obligations now that the ordinance is signed and requested a report on rollout and public acceptance. Staff described enforcement implications: wherever smoking of conventional cigarettes is prohibited, e-cigarette use will similarly be disallowed, and retail sellers will need permits. Commissioners raised questions about housing-unit nonsmoking compliance fees and whether the ordinance affects existing private-housing enforcement; staff said they would follow up with specifics.
Staff also said the committee will bring participating community-based organizations and youth groups to a future presentation to explain the outreach and implementation process.
No regulatory changes beyond the ordinance signification were enacted at the meeting; commissioners requested a future update on implementation, housing applications, and any enforcement guidance.
