tobacco retailer’s licensing some lessons from contra costa county
TRANSCRIPT
Tobacco Retailer’s Licensing
Some lessons from
Contra Costa County
Context for the Tobacco Retailer’s License Ordinance
• 1997 – 1998, the Tobacco Industry and CGA both attended Board of Supervisors meetings re: Tobacco-Free Youth Ordinance
• End of 1998, Board adopted a “penalty” licensing ordinance.
Contra Costa Context Cont
• By 2002, BOS wanted to “upgrade” TRL ordinance to license all retailers.
• WHY?• TPC had kept the issue of youth and
tobacco before the BOS during advocacy for MSA funds – a two year period.
• Champion of licensing was running for Assembly and wanted to add to her legacy.
Contra Costa Context Cont
• Composition of the Board changed – 2 who voted for “penalty” licensing replaced by 2 strong tobacco prevention advocates.
• TI and CGA did not attend meetings where new TRL discussed.
• TPP kept the discussions under the radar screen.• Revised ordinance adopted in January 2003 and
implemented in July in concert with Tax Collector.
Licensing and Compliance
• Before licensing, sales rate 37% in unincorporated area.
• TCS Enforcement Grant supported stings.
• With licensing and active enforcement of PC308(a), sales rate fell to 2%, then climbed to 7% at end of FY 2003 – 2004.
Licensing and Compliance
• Between October 2003 and 2004, 10 license suspension hearings & 8 suspensions.
• 7 suspensions for illegal sales, 1 for ssd
License Fees - Now
• There are about 110 tobacco retailers.
• $160 annual licensing fee.
• 175 site inspections for ssd ban, TRL.
• 100 stings for PC308(a) – contract with Sheriff.
Enforcement and Prosecution
• In CCC, moved prosecution of 308(a) citations from DA to traffic court.
• Lots of people power involved to enforce, prosecute and maintain paperwork (reports, database, correspondence, files).
Hearing Process
• Close relationship with County Counsel for protocol, forms, the odd situation.
• One hearing officer who has set a standard of one week for PC308(a) violations, second chance for TFYO violations.
• Costs of hearing ($348)and re-inspection ($110) charged to the retailer.
What’s Next?
• How many suspensions will it take for retailers to stop selling tobacco to minors?
• Adding signage provision to the model licensing ordinance that we are promoting in two cities in our county. Complying with local signage ordinances will be a conditions of maintaining a TRL.
