CA Bill Would Remove Tobacco from Convenience, Grocery Stores
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California is one step closer to changing where tobacco is sold. A bill would restrict the sale of tobacco products to 18-and-over cigar shops.
State Senator Bob Wieckowski authored SB 1400, to prevent the sale of tobacco products at convenience and grocery stores. The bill passed the senate floor Thursday.
"This is a huge step forward in protecting California’s children because 90 percent of smokers start before they are age 18," Wieckowski said in a statement.
Currently, retail locations -- like convenience stores and grocery markets -- are capable of obtaining a license to sell tobacco products. SB 1400 would change the definition of an eligible retail location to businesses that generate 60 percent or more of gross revenue annually from tobacco-related products.
"It would be a huge hit for us," Sunil Tandel said. "The whole convenience factor is out the door."
Tandel’s family has owned Fremont Market in Sacramento for 20 years. He said tobacco sales are a financial backbone to Fremont Market. Often, tobacco purchases lead to the sale of other items, which would be lost if SB 1400 becomes a law.
"Once you buy cigarettes, everyone will be like, ‘oh I need a lighter, oh let me grab some energy drinks or beef jerky, or a lotto ticket,’" Tandel explained. "We'd take like a 25 percent hit just from cigarettes --and then on top of that, whatever else that goes with it."
But, others believe the health benefits outweigh the business costs.
"Honestly, I’m all for it because it's going to be inconvenient for me because I am a smoker, but it keeps kids from getting access to tobacco," Sacramento resident Christopher Prentiss said. The 40-year-old said he’s been smoking since he was 13 years old.
Other residents think there is a connection with children seeing tobacco in stores and smoking them as an adult.
"At a young age, cigarettes were pretty much in my face," Fair Oaks resident, and smoker, Tim Pepper said. "I've seen them at the store. Right where the candy is at Albertson's, the cigarettes are right behind there. I thought they were candy too, really."
Wieckowski’s office said although e-cigarettes are not mentioned in the bill, a recent law classifies them as a tobacco product and will also fall under the same restrictions.
"The whole convenience factor is out the door (with the bill)," Tandel said.
SB 1400 heads to the California Assembly. If it becomes a law, it would take effect January 2019.
News Release Provided By:
Vicki Gonzalez
KCRA
