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Ordinance No. 1529 <br /> <br /> D. Minors currently have ready access to cigarettes and <br /> other tobacco products as a result of non-compliance with <br /> existing laws that prohibit the sale of such tobacco products <br /> to minors, and the widespread availability of cigarette <br /> vending machines and the free distribution of tobacco products <br /> in public places. <br /> <br /> E. The free distribution of cigarettes and other <br /> tobacco products encourages people to begin smoking and using <br /> tobacco products and thereby become addicted to the habit, <br /> discourages people fromquitting smoking, and tempts those who <br /> had quit smoking to begin smoking again. Encouraging smoking <br /> and discouraging those who are currently smoking from <br /> overcoming the habit endangers the public health by leading <br /> more people into habits that cause illness and death. <br /> <br /> F. Free distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco <br /> product promotes unsightly litter, thereby increasing the <br /> costs to the public in cleaning the streets; and also causes <br /> pedestrian traffic congestion. <br /> <br /> G. The compelling purpose and intent of this chapter <br /> includes: <br /> <br /> 1. To prevent young people from using nicotine <br /> until they are mature and capable of making an informed <br /> and rational decision; <br /> <br /> 2. To reduce significantly the ability of young <br /> people from illegally obtaining tobacco products by <br /> banning cigarette vending machines and prohibiting the <br /> free distribution of tobacco products in public places; <br /> and <br /> <br /> 3. To promote generally the health and welfare of <br /> all people in the community against the health hazards <br /> and harmful effects of using addictive tobacco products. <br /> <br /> Section 9.32,020. Definitions. <br /> <br /> For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall be <br />defined as set forth herein: <br /> <br /> A. "Cigarette vending machine" means any electronic or <br /> mechanical device or appliance the operation of which depends <br /> upon the insertion of money, whether in coin or paper bill, or <br /> other thing representative of value, which dispenses or <br /> releases a tobacco product and/or tobacco accessories. <br /> <br /> B. "Distribution" means to give, sell, deliver, <br /> dispense, issue, or cause or hire any person to give, sell, <br /> <br /> -2- <br /> <br /> <br />