PALO ALTO — With concerns growing about the high rate of nicotine addictions among teens, Palo Alto and Menlo Park council members voted unanimously to move forward with a ban on e-cigarette and flavored tobacco sales.
The measure comes just a few months after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order requiring stores selling vaping devices to post warnings about the health risks of such products and directing California tax collectors to step up enforcement on the e-cigarette industry.
Palo Alto council members contended on Monday that the new ban will stop the growing number of complaints by parents and teachers who say area students’ rampant vape use in restrooms and even inside classrooms has become too much to handle.
Along with a ban on these products, Palo Alto council members will also consider a fine for vaping in public.
But members also view the ban as a first step in combating vaping among young people in Palo Alto, and by no means an end to the conversation.
“I don’t think this solution is enough,” said Councilman Greg Tanaka, who along with two other colleagues introduced the memo asking members to support a ban. “I’ve had a lot of discussions with high school students and they say that distribution might help, but not a lot because it’s so easy to get.”
Tanaka added that the council should also focus on the demand for e-cigs and flavored tobacco products. He said investing on education and enforcement, as well as possibly having fines for vaping in public or for students caught vaping in schools, could help stem such use.
In both cities this week, several parents and community members spoke before the council to support their intention to ban e-cigarettes.
Menlo Park parent Tricia Barr asked council members to follow San Mateo County in banning the distribution of e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products through coupons, special events or as promotional gifts.
San Mateo County Tobacco Education Coalition chairwoman Smitha Gundayajhala, who also spoke at the Menlo Park city council meeting Tuesday, said she applauds the council for its action and urged further regulations.
“Flavored tobacco has long been the strategy by the tobacco industry to addict generations of young users,” Gundayajhala said. “Flavors lower the barrier of entry for youth and tobacco companies know this. They refer to youth as replacement smokers. This ordinance will make a tremendous difference in the lives of young people.”