Council asks staff to research tobacco retail licensing and explore phasing out sales

The Loma Linda City Council voted to have staff, with review by the city’s JARB process, research a local tobacco retailer licensing ordinance and assess potential impacts on the community.

Council member (speaker 13) asked staff to investigate a comprehensive tobacco-retailer licensing approach, pointing to recent presentations from a tobacco-prevention coalition and models used by other California cities. “We heard their presentation…they were very vocal about the fact that we've got an F rating for selling to underage minors,” the council member said, urging a formal review.

Israel Fuentes, chair of the Coalition for Tobacco Free San Bernardino County, told the council that a tobacco retail license would reduce youth access and urged the city to consider phasing out tobacco sales entirely. “I’m here again to express my support for an ordinance that reduces youth access to tobacco products in Loma Linda,” Fuentes said.

High-school senior Laura Cortez described herself as a Loma Linda resident and urged protections for young people: “As a young person, I am the tobacco industry's main target… I'm here today to urge the city council to take a stand in protecting me and my peers.” Brianna Ramirez, a pharmacy student and intern, recommended the city consider phasing out commercial tobacco sales and noted other California cities have taken similar steps.

Council members thanked the presenters, discussed technical questions about fees and enforcement, and moved to have staff prepare a package for JARB review. The motion carried.

Council asked staff to evaluate models (including Adelanto) and return with options and impact analysis before potential next steps.