INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
A proposed ordinance to decrease tobacco and e-cigarette use by young people is headed to the Tempe City Council for two public hearings and a vote.
The proposed ordinance would increase the age to purchase tobacco products in Tempe from 18 to 21, and retailers would need to obtain a license, according to a release.
Public meetings are 6 p.m. Oct. 12 and 6 p.m. Oct. 26 when the Tempe City Council is scheduled to vote. Meetings are in the Tempe City Council Chambers, 31 E. Fifth St. or virtually. Submit comments or request to speak at tempe.gov/clerk.
Arizona is one of 10 states that does not have a statewide tobacco licensing registry, meaning retailers who sell tobacco products can continue to sell the products even after repeated violations for selling to minors, the city release stated.
The Tempe proposal would establish a citywide registry and impose penalties.
The proposal does not ban flavored tobacco products but does propose a $300 annual license fee for tobacco sellers. Fees and penalties would go toward enforcing the ordinance, according to the city.
In order to apply for a license, retailers must complete the Arizona Retail Tobacco Training.
Proposed penalties:
- First violation: $500, and the agent of the tobacco retailer must attend an Arizona retail tobacco training class.
- Second violation: $750, and the tobacco retailer is prohibited from selling tobacco products for seven days.
- Third violation: $750, and the tobacco retailer is prohibited from selling tobacco products for 30 days.
- Fourth violation: $1,000 and license revocation.
For more: tempe.gov/TobaccoOrdinance
