Keeping Cigarettes From Our Children

Unlike other legal yet potentially addictive, debilitating products such as alcohol and prescription drugs, no one is sure who’s selling tobacco in California (“Threat to Cigarette Control,” editorial, July 27). Requiring a license or permit to sell tobacco products sends retailers the message that we are serious about protecting children. The L.A. County Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Policy Coalition worked tirelessly in its support for L.A.’s tobacco enforcement program. We are proud of the efforts made by the city to curb illegal sales.

San Fernando and 26 other cities and counties in California also have a retail licensing ordinance. California should set a standard, but a local jurisdiction should be able to go beyond any statewide standard in order to protect its children. Assembly Bill 1666, if passed, would preempt cities from enforcing their retail licensing ordinance. This is a tobacco industry goal.

No other legal product sold in America disables and kills the majority of its lifelong users. Every day in California, 300 children start smoking. Licensing tobacco retailers is a common-sense solution to making sure that retailers are accountable for keeping cigarettes out of your children’s hands.

Maria Calleros

Project Coordinator

Pueblo Y Salud

San Fernando