UPDATE: Tiburon has officially made history as the first town in the United States to ban the sale of all tobacco and tobacco-related products without any exemptions. The Town Council confirmed the ban during a meeting on Wednesday, with the ordinance set to take effect on December 5, 2023.
This landmark decision follows preliminary approval granted in October. While similar bans were enacted in Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach in 2021, those allowed limited exemptions. Mayor Holli Thier expressed pride in the council’s decision, stating, “We all made history here tonight.”
The meeting saw a powerful showing from Marin high school students and members of the Youth Advocacy Committee, who have been key advocates for reducing tobacco and nicotine use among teens. Councilmember Isaac Nikfar commended the young activists for their relentless efforts, emphasizing their role in pushing this vital issue to the forefront.
Marin County has a strong history of anti-smoking initiatives, having previously banned flavored tobacco products in 2020, well before a statewide ban was implemented. Notably, no Tiburon retailers sold tobacco products prior to this ban, solidifying a voluntary precedent that the new ordinance now formalizes.
“This ordinance guarantees the status quo for commercial sales of tobacco in the future,” stated Councilmember Alice Fredericks. She added that the ban serves as a critical message to both current and future generations about making informed choices regarding tobacco use.
The 2023 California Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that over 21% of high school respondents admitted to using tobacco products, with more than 25% of those who smoked cigarettes indicating they accessed them through purchases. Since raising the legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21 in 2016, California has ramped up its efforts against tobacco sales, including new flavored-tobacco laws that went into effect earlier this year.
Despite existing regulations, students at the council meeting articulated the ongoing need for the ban. “I am grateful that you are taking action on an issue that continues to affect my peers,” said Diana Garcia, a student from Novato High School. “You have a chance to set an example for communities to follow.”
As the ordinance takes effect, it highlights the growing movement across the state to combat tobacco use, with nearly 130 municipalities implementing their own regulations on tobacco retailer density. The progress in Tiburon stands as a beacon for other communities looking to take similar steps in the fight against tobacco-related harm.
With this groundbreaking decision, Tiburon is setting a precedent that could reshape how communities address tobacco sales nationwide. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more towns may look to follow suit.
