Ross council advances ordinance to ban sale of tobacco products after student-led push

The Ross Town Council voted 4–1 on Nov. 13 to introduce Ordinance No. 735 and waive further reading of the measure, which would amend Chapter 6.18 of the Ross Municipal Code to ban the sale, offer or distribution of all tobacco products within town limits and eliminate the possibility of issuing tobacco retail licenses.

Supporters — including high school students and public-health advocates — urged the council to adopt the prohibition as a local public-health measure. "I am speaking today to share with you my total support for the approval of a local policy in Ross that will prevent the sale of tobacco and nicotine products overall," said Daniella Contreras, a high school senior, citing concerns about industry targeting of youth. Jeremiah Moth, a UCSF professor, told the council the move would contribute to wider efforts to "end the tobacco epidemic," saying Ross would be among the few U.S. jurisdictions to adopt such a ban.

Roberta (town staff) told the council the ordinance builds on Ross's prior restrictions — including a flavored-products ban — and would remove existing code provisions that allow a retailer to request a use permit to sell tobacco. She noted there are currently no tobacco retailers operating in Ross.

Opponents and one council member questioned whether the ordinance is premature and whether it removes useful local discretion. Jasmine, speaking for a retail association, said the proposal "is unnecessary and premature" because there are no existing Ross retailers and a ban could limit future small-business opportunities. Council member Matt Salter urged caution, noting that current rules require a town-issued tobacco retailer license before any sale could occur and that the council retains discretionary authority on licensing.

After further discussion — in which several council members characterized the measure as largely symbolic but supportive of youth-health goals — the council approved the motion to introduce Ordinance No. 735, waive further reading, and refer to it by title only by a 4–1 vote. Mayor McMillan, Council Member Dowling, Council Member Kercher and Mayor Pro Tem Robbins voted aye; Council Member Salter voted no.

The ordinance, as introduced, would: prohibit sale, offer or distribution of tobacco products as defined in the code; eliminate the possibility of issuing tobacco retail licenses in the town; and remove related code provisions on signage and conditional uses. The first-reading introduction and waiver of further reading were adopted at the Nov. 13 meeting; the council took public testimony and discussed next steps as part of the record.

No businesses in Ross currently sell tobacco products, and staff told the council the change builds on prior local restrictions to prioritize youth and community health. The town will post ordinance materials and staff reports as required for follow-up hearings or adoption steps.