Council to consider ordinance banning minors from specialty tobacco and e‑cigarette shops

Mayor Sherry Alcopello briefed council on a proposed amendment to the city’s public‑health code that would establish rules for specialty tobacco, e‑cigarette and hookah establishments and bar entry by anyone under 21 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The proposed ordinance aims to make retail clerks responsible for asking for identification and keeping under‑21 patrons out of specialty shops where tobacco and vaping products are the primary merchandise. The mayor said the ordinance is intended to add an enforcement tool, not to criminalize youth: “No. That’s not what we’re doing with this ordinance. It’s trying to make the retail clerk responsible… so when they see a youth enter the store, that they card them and they ask them to leave if they’re underage.”

Councilors asked how the ordinance will distinguish specialty shops from ordinary convenience stores. The mayor said the definition will cover establishments “primarily dedicated to the display, sale, distribution, delivery, offering, furnishing, or marketing of tobacco products” and that convenience stores and gas stations—which primarily sell ready‑to‑eat foods and household items—are excluded. She acknowledged enforcement will depend on the facts presented at a magistrate hearing if a citation is issued.

Next steps: staff and the police captain will compile a list of specialty establishments for education and outreach. The mayor said enforcement will begin after an education period and noted the city may adopt a local ordinance that largely reflects but modifies the county or state framework as needed.