Amid vaping concerns, supervisors OK some changes to tobacco retail rules
Humboldt County supervisors approved revisions to tobacco retail rules, addressing concerns from small businesses while maintaining efforts to reduce tobacco access.Summary
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved revisions to the county’s Tobacco Retail Licensing ordinance, initially passed in 2023, after addressing concerns from small business owners regarding license transferability. The board rejected a proposed 10-mile exemption for rural tobacco retailers from the license cap, opting to maintain the goal of reducing tobacco sellers to one per 2,500 residents. They also retained the appeals process involving administrative law judges. Public Health officials emphasized the dangers of both smoking and vaping, particularly among young people, citing high rates of smoking and lung cancer in Humboldt County. The amendments clarify the ordinance applies to unincorporated areas and address procedural concerns raised by retailers regarding pending license applications.
(Source：Times-standard)
