San Anselmo Development News

San Anselmo Council Discusses Tobacco Sales Regulations, Weighs Model Ordinance Against Full Ban

The Town Council heard public comment and discussed a proposed ordinance to regulate tobacco and nicotine sales. The ordinance, based on a model from Marin County, would establish minimum floor prices for cigarettes, little cigars, cigars, and smokeless tobacco, and prohibit the sale of electronic smoking devices, heated smoking systems, and tobacco/nicotine pouches. It also includes provisions for discounts, pricing transparency, and minimum price adjustments every two years. Enforcement would be handled by the Marin County Sheriff's Office. The council discussed at length the potential impacts of a full ban versus the model ordinance, with some council members leaning towards a total ban and others preferring the model ordinance with enhancements due to concerns about business impact and the need for more data on effectiveness, particularly regarding youth cessation. The council directed staff to return with both a proposed ordinance for an outright ban and a variation of the model ordinance, with a likely discussion timeline in September.