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Public comments included: • Mike Roesbery, owner of the Valero gas station located on the corner Santa Rita Road and West Las Positas Boulevard, indicated his store is within the potential 500 foot buffer around public schools (Fairlands Elementary) and commented that while he is not a smoking advocate, his business follows the tobacco rules and should not be penalized. He offered that tobacco sales are a significant portion of the business' profits and the loss of regular tobacco would result in an estimated $100,000/month loss in potential profit. • Brad Hirst added that if the ordinances are too restrictive a `black market' would develop, and that tobacco use should be discouraged in a fair and equitable way that does not create such `black market' dealings. • Joseph Haddad, owner of The Cigar Parlor on Santa Rita Road, shared that flavored tobacco sales contribute most of his business activity with $600,000/year resulting from e-cigarettes and vaping products. He said that patrons must be 21 years to enter, and his business is vigilant about not allowing adults to buy for youth waiting outside the store; his store does not promote youth tobacco use and should not be penalized as they follow the tobacco laws. He also noted that Juul advertises to youth, and e- cigarettes and vaping products can be purchased online. • Rick Kutler, owner of a cigar shop on Santa Rita Road, has been in business 27 years; his business is age restricted to 21 and older and all younger looking patrons. He commented the ordinance for minimum pricing is not realistic as his business sells premium cigars that are not inexpensive although the individual retail price is $5. He also added cigars are a separate issue from e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco and requested that tobaccos/cigar shops should be grandfathered. • Nathan Subramanian from Alameda County Public Health Department Tobacco Control Program indicated the county does not conduct inspections but does survey stores. He offered that the issue is larger than internet access to tobacco products for youth as 95% of adult smokers begin before the age of 21 and prior to the internet, and that once addicted to smoking it's no longer a `choice'. He referenced data of teen tobacco usage that indicates when tobacco products are readily available they become more compelling. • Kristie Wang, Livermore resident, mother and non-smoking advocate, commented that with the decline of traditional cigarettes, products are being designed to attract and addict youth, and as such we need to prioritize health over retailer profits. • Audrey with Alameda County Public Health Department Tobacco Control Program added it is important to keep the overall cost impacts in perspective: tobacco negatively affects and has the highest impact on youth, low income, ethnic minorities and others that are most vulnerable; tobacco use costs up to $300 billion/year in the United States and so youth health should be prioritized above retailer profit. EVC member directed questions to tobacco retailers in attendance: