Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of your consideration of adopting the San Mateo County Model Tobacco Retail Ordinance and entering into the enforcement partnership with the County. I worked with County Staff for three years developing the policy and pushing for the passage of this best practice policy. This is a wonderful opportunity to protect the public health of Menlo Parks youth by taking a stance against Big Tobacco. We know the best way to ensure flavored tobacco stays out of youths hands is to pass comprehensive policies restricting these products with meaningful implementation and enforcement. We have included many best practice equity measures to ensure that enforcement applies to the retailer and does not criminalize youth for purchase, use or possession. In addition, we included language that holds the business owner who signs the license accountable for any violations of their employees to protect minimum wage earning clerks from pass through fines. This policy follows the model from Public Health Law Center (Californias Tobacco Policy Technical Assistance Provider) and truly sets a new standard for tobacco policy in the Bay Area. We hope that you will join your fellow cities of San Mateo, San Carlos and Millbrae in your adoption of the vital public health ordinance.
Thank you,
Blythe
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Blythe Young (she/her)
Community Advocacy Director
American Heart Association
1111 Broadway Ste 1360 | Oakland | CA | 94607
707.834.4399
