Humboldt County passes new tobacco retailer licensing ordinance to curb youth use
FILE - Menthol cigarettes and other tobacco products are displayed at a store. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
EUREKA, Calif. — The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously passed a tobacco retailer licensing ordinance.
The county's Department of Health and Human Services previously brought the idea to the board in August 2022. This new tobacco retail licensing, or TRL, ordinance, requires a valid tobacco retailer's license to be obtained annually. It also prohibits tobacco products or ads near things like candy and snacks to decrease youth exposure.
For businesses seeking a license, there would be a $127 application review followed by an annual fee of $381.
"The purpose of a retail tobacco retail licensing ordinance is to reduce the availability of tobacco for youth in the community and enforce local, state and federal tobacco laws," Humboldt County Public Health Director Sofia Pereira said.
In 2022, California voters passed SB 793, banning the sale of flavored tobacco products in the state. A 2023 survey of 13 local incorporated stores throughout Humboldt County found all but one still had those illegal products. This ordinance loos to increase enforcement of that state law.
During public comment, many parents expressed their support for addressing youth tobacco use. The TRL ordinance is set to be adopted on July 11.
