“We’re trying to protect the youth in our community. We’re trying to promote compliance with the law. We’re trying to discourage illegal purchases and sales of tobacco products and paraphernalia, and related items to our youth,” said Larson.
The proposed tobacco retail license (TRL) would allow the city to enforce regulations beyond current state laws. The ordinance suggested penalties such as a two-week suspension after one violation, a month-long suspension after a second, and license revocation after a third offense within five years. Funding for enforcing the ordinance would come from the license fee of just over $1,100 per location. Out of 119 tobacco retailers in Redding, the ordinance would affect 29 stores primarily selling vapes.
The council voted 4-1 to reject the proposed ordinance, opting instead for a version requiring all tobacco retailers to obtain the license. Tenessa Audette cast the dissenting vote, favoring a requirement only for vape shops.
The California Youth Tobacco Use Survey indicates that Shasta County has the highest youth tobacco use rate in the state, with more than 41 percent of minors reporting they have tried some form of tobacco product.
