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Currently, there is not any joint effort between neighboring Tri-Valley cities; however, neighboring cities have their own ordinances or are discussing. • The goal is not for youth to be victimized or criminally punished or have a record that will continue into their adult life because of underage tobacco use. For these restrictions what would the consequence(s) be? o Administrative citation for first offense; this doesn't create a criminal process for minors a The Youth Commission agreed the punishment should be put on the retailers, not the kids. • There are concerns retailers weren't given a chance to provide potential solutions before the Youth Commission voted on its recommendations; the process should be slowed down, so the Youth Commission and retailers have an opportunity to discuss possible solutions. Public comments included: • Retailers felt as though there was not enough notice/time given to them before a recommendation was made, and the Youth Commission only heard from those supporting tobacco restrictions. They would like the process slowed down and to have discussion with the youth commission on potential solutions (e.g., such as not displaying signage or not having tobacco products visible in the store). • The owner of a cigar store added that he understands these are serious concerns, but no one under the age of 21 is allowed to enter his establishment. This is his livelihood and there is a need to look thoroughly at how this ban would affect everyone. • A gas station owner commented that he is open to putting tobacco products out of sight and not visible at the counter; he feels it is not fair to put restrictions on some businesses but not all. • A government relations coordinator with the American Cancer Society added that ACS supports ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, noting that 90% of adult smokers start at age 18; according to a high school survey, 76% of youth obtain it from retail locations; youth vape 7 times more than adults. She also noted the American Cancer Society is not supportive of punishing youth for possessing products, as this is not effective in keeping usage down. • A representative from the Alameda County Tobacco Control Program offered support for banning the sale of flavored tobacco products, noting there are other cities that have tobacco bans affecting hundreds of stores and none have closed. The ban would have a greater benefit to our youth without putting tobacco retailers out of business. Chair Christina Nystrom Mantha proposed three options for the EVC to recommend: 1 . Table the discussion until after the Youth Commission and tobacco retailers have an opportunity to collaborate on the concerns and solutions 2. Continue the discussion at the December 19 EVC Meeting 3. Recommend support of the Youth Commission's proposed bans. Shareef Mandavi motioned to recommend support of the Youth Commission's proposed bans. There was no second; the motion did not move forward. Will Doerlich moved to table the EVC's discussion until after the Youth Commission and retailers have an opportunity to collaborate on the concerns and solutions; Steve Van Dorn