The rate of tobacco sales to youth in recent local youth purchase surveys are alarming: thirty, forty, and sometimes even higher percentages of tobacco retailers surveyed have been willing to sell cigarettes illegally to minors. In response several years ago tobacco control advocates in California launched a new effort to end illegal sales of tobacco to minors. The strategy was to pass strong local tobacco retailer licensing ordinances.
What distinguishes these new ordinances from earlier, weaker versions is licensing fees high enough to fund strong enforcement programs, usually above $200 per retailer. Strong licensing ordinances also include financial deterrents through fines and penalties that include the suspension and revocation of the license. Over forty communities have passed strong ordinances so far, and more are on the way.
The Center has commissioned a survey of rural and small town voters in California on tobacco retailer licensing.To read summaries and see the results of the poll, click here.
Table of Strong Tobacco Retailer Licensing Ordinances: June 2010
Matrix of Strong Tobacco Retailer Licensing Ordinances: June 2010
Cigarettes Generate Big Revenue for Convenience Stores: June 2010
Using Tobacco Retailer Licensing to Provide Penalties for Violation of State Drug Paraphernalia Laws: June 2009
Becoming a Policy Wonk on Tobacco Retailer Licensing: May 2009
Tobacco Retailer Licensing is Effective: May 2009
Licensing TALC Ordinance Checklist: June 2008
Myths & Realities of AB 71: September 2004
Six Arguments Supporting Tobacco Retailer Licensing: February 2005
Tobacco Retailer Licensing Talking Points: 2002
Additional Resources
Challenge in Rural Communities: September 2006
City of Sacramento's New Licensing Ordinance: April 2004
Leveraging Youth Purchase Survey Data: March 2004
Campaign Spotlight-Yo Mateo: June 2003
San Mateo to Put Teeth into Local Licensing Law: June 2003