Other Policy
Reports
New fact sheet on the basics of tobacco retailer licensing
A new fact sheet has been provided by the California-based legal technical assistance group ChangeLab Solutions that gives information regarding tobacco retailer licensing and how it can be used to support anti-tobacco efforts. Tobacco retailer licensing can be used by local governments to ensure that tobacco retailers such as pharmacies and restaurants comply with city or government requirements regarding selling tobacco products. This publication explains how retailer licensing works, and why local governments might be interested in implementing this policy. Click here to access this fact sheet.
New licensing resources available from the Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing
New and updated resources on local tobacco retailer licensing ordinances are available through the American Lung Association in California’s Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing. Communities may wish to adopt tobacco retailer licensing ordinances to combat illegal sales of tobacco products to minors. These ordinances require all tobacco retailers to obtain a license and contain real penalties, including suspension of the license. Click here to view a listing of the new resources, as well as additional tobacco retailer licensing documents.
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State Policy
Governor Cuomo signs bills to protect New York's youth from harmful effects of cigarettes (NY)
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed two bills that protect children from access and exposure to cigarettes. One law prohibits smoking within 100 feet of the entrances or exits of any public or private school, and the other prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes to anyone less than eighteen years of age. These laws were created in an effort to protect children from the harmful effects of tobacco use, and to prevent children’s access to the fairly new and unregulated electronic cigarette products which Cuomo says could be a pathway to nicotine addiction. These new laws are effective immediately. Click here to read more.
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International
Plain cigarette packs whack (Australia)
The recent law passed in Australia that requires all cigarette packs to have plain packaging is now effective, and supermarkets have three months to comply. Fines for individuals selling tobacco in non-compliant packaging range from $1,320 to $220,000, and corporations can get penalties from $6,600 to $1.1 million. Tobacco retailers will receive information packages from the Health Department with reminders of the new plain-packaging rules. Cigarette manufacturers are required to adhere to the new plain packaging standards starting October 1, and retailers have until December 1, 2012 to ensure that all products on their shelves carry the plain packaging. Click here to read more.
Duty-free smokes crackdown to cause delays (Australia)
The new law in Australia regarding the amount of cigarettes and tobacco allowed by customs to be brought into the country is now effective. Travelers are only allowed to bring 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of tobacco compared to previous amounts of 250 and 250g, respectively. Those who declare excess amounts can abandon the product or pay duty on it. Australian customs have disseminated awareness campaigns to other countries so that foreign travelers can be aware of the new duty-free limits. Click here to read more.
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