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Fairfax council introduces tobacco and nicotine retail ordinance, vote 4–1
Summary
The Fairfax Town Council voted 4–1 to introduce an ordinance that would set a $12 minimum pack price, ban electronic smoking devices and nicotine pouches at retail, and prohibit couponing; the measure advances for later hearings and includes an enforcement start date proposed for Sept. 1, 2026.
The Fairfax Town Council on first reading voted to introduce a proposed ordinance that would change local tobacco retail rules to make products less accessible to youth.
The ordinance, as read into the record by the town attorney, would amend Fairfax Municipal Code chapter 8.44 to establish minimum pricing for cigarette and cigar packages (a $12 pack-price floor was discussed), prohibit coupon and discount redemption, ban the sale of electronic smoking devices and heated tobacco systems, and bar nicotine pouch sales at retail. The ordinance is written as a retailer-focused regulation, not a criminal ban on personal use.
Supporters at the public hearing emphasized youth health risks. "When these products are cheap, discounted, and easily accessible in our community, it's much easier for teens to…
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