Council debates ban on flavored tobacco, asks staff to draft ordinance
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Summary
Councilmembers debated a proposed prohibition on flavored tobacco sales, considered a short moratorium vs. a full ordinance, and directed staff to return with draft language within roughly 60–90 days for council consideration.
Councilmember Jessie López introduced a proposal to prohibit flavored tobacco sales, characterizing flavored tobacco as harmful to families and youth and urging the council to act. López said the city should consider immediate steps (a moratorium) while staff prepare a permanent ordinance.
City attorney and planning staff outlined the options: an emergency moratorium would give staff time to study code changes; a permanent ordinance would require zoning and due‑process analysis and public hearings. Council discussed enforcement, the potential for conditional‑use permits, distance limits near schools and whether state law constrains local action.
Councilmembers expressed varying preferences. Several members supported moving quickly to restrict retail sales of flavored tobacco products and asked staff for draft ordinance language; staff suggested bringing back options in 60–90 days. No ordinance vote was taken at the meeting; the council’s direction was procedural: staff to return with proposed code language and an enforcement plan.
The discussion included references to protecting legal cannabis businesses and ensuring enforcement focuses on illegal operators while preserving legal, taxable commerce. The item remained at the direction/referral stage at the meeting’s close.