San Diego Restrict Sale of Flavored Tobacco

SAN DIEGO, CA – Joining three states and 335 local governments, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has signed an ordinance by Councilmember Marni von Wilpert to regulate the sale of flavored tobacco in the city.

“Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, and we know that Big Tobacco markets these products to youth and other vulnerable communities,” said Mayor Todd Gloria.

The mayor indicated that signing Councilwoman von Wilpert’s SAAFE Act, in collaboration with Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell will allow the city to join 335 other local jurisdictions in regulating the sale of these products, protecting children and stemming the tide of addiction.

The ordinance, known as the Stop Adolescent Addiction to Flavored Electronic Cigarettes (SAAFE) Act, makes it illegal for retailers within the city of San Diego to sell or distribute tobacco products with specific flavors beginning Jan. 1, 2023.

The restrictions include any tobacco product that emits a flavor or odor other than the original flavor or odor, i.e., fruit, mint, candy, vanilla, dessert, alcoholic beverage, spice, menthol, among others. The ordinance does not apply to the sale of shisha (as commonly used in hookahs), premium cigars or loose leaf tobacco.

A statewide measure to ban the sale of certain flavored tobacco products in California will go before voters next November. Should the measure be unsuccessful, the city ordinance will go into effect on January 1, 2023.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff