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It is expected that such a TRL program will involve tobacco retailers and tobacco stores <br /> needing to obtain an annual TRL permit. A fee at an amount for cost recovery would <br /> need to be brought back to the City Council for addition to the Master Fee Schedule. <br /> Penalties for violations could include monetary fines13, suspension of TRL / ability to sell <br /> tobacco products, and even revocation of a TRL. A hearing and appeal process is also <br /> envisioned. <br /> Committee and Commission Recommendations <br /> Staff did not bring forward a proposed TRL for discussion by the various Commissions <br /> or the EVC. However, a TRL program was suggested and advocated by the Planning <br /> Commission in light of its recommendation that existing tobacco retailers and stores <br /> within 1,000 feet of public schools, parks and recreation facilities be able to continue to <br /> sell tobacco products, to allow the City to monitor and bring enforcement against <br /> noncompliant tobacco retailers and stores. <br /> Regulations in Other Tri-Valley Cities <br /> As noted, many Alameda County jurisdictions operate TRL programs, including in <br /> Dublin and Livermore. These programs utilize staff from Business License, Community <br /> Development, Code Enforcement, City Manager's Office, and the Police Department to <br /> issue TRL permits and undertake compliance checks and enforcement. <br /> Alternatives <br /> As an alternative to the proposed approach outlined above, the City Council could <br /> consider not directing the City Manager to develop a TRL program. <br /> 5. Prohibit Possession by Persons Under 21. Current Municipal Code §9.32.040 <br /> prohibits possession of tobacco products by persons under the age of 18 in public <br /> places (e.g. public sidewalks, public parks) and on private property open to the public <br /> (e.g. shopping center parking lot). The current code was adopted in 2015 when the <br /> smoking age in California was 18. At that same time, Cal. Penal Code §308 imposed a <br /> $75 fine or 30 hours of community service for underage purchase, receipt or possession <br /> of tobacco products. When the smoking age in California was raised to 21 in 2016, the <br /> City did not similarly update the age for prohibition on possession. <br /> Cal. Penal Code §308 was subsequently amended to: (a) remove the monetary fine and <br /> community service for underage possession; (b) impose higher monetary penalties and <br /> criminal misdemeanor charges for selling or distributing tobacco to persons under 21. <br /> Nevertheless, Cal. Penal Code §308 specifically allows cities and counties to adopt <br /> local laws not in conflict with state law. <br /> '' The proposed ordinance references delegation by the City Council of authority to the City Manager to <br /> impose fines allowed by Cal. Government Code§§36901 and 38773.7, which can include fines up to <br /> $1,000, as well as treble damages for repeat violations. <br />