Laserfiche WebLink
achieve the desired change and make an impact. He recommended implementing regulations <br /> on vaping similar to the surrounding cities. <br /> Ms. Clark explained that tobacco stores would require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in all <br /> zones, which might be a mechanism to reduce such stores. <br /> Commissioner Balch suggested reviewing the sting operations to determine whether <br /> conditions of CUPs had been enforced. He suggested implementing tobacco retail licenses <br /> throughout the City and a citywide ban on e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco sales. He further <br /> stated he is disheartened that the City hasn't been at the forefront of this topic to date. <br /> Additionally, he stated grandfathering would not make the desired change, as it would prevent <br /> the situation from getting worse but wouldn't make it better; if grandfathering were permitted, <br /> then "going dark", tobacco retail license, and a two-strike consequence must be implemented <br /> as a requirement, and tobacco shops not excluded. <br /> Commissioner O'Connor suggested a one-year transition period if grandfathering was not <br /> permitted. <br /> Commissioner Balch discussed the location of parks throughout the City, therefore, impacting <br /> more retailers. <br /> Commissioner Allen asked Commissioner Balch if he would still encourage "going dark" if <br /> licensing was not implemented. <br /> Commissioner Balch stated licensing was necessary otherwise there would be no <br /> enforcement. He referenced the business owner who provided public comment and had <br /> represented that he was trying to do the right thing; the license is the mechanism for <br /> enforcement. Commissioner Allen agreed but asked Commissioner Balch for his <br /> recommendation regarding grandfathering existing businesses if City Council decided not to <br /> support a TRL program. Commissioner Balch explained that the only option for him, if there is <br /> grandfathering and no TRL program, would be to require the retailer to "go dark." <br /> Commissioner Allen stated then there would be no enforcement if there's no TRL program. <br /> Commissioner Brown questioned enforcement with "going dark" without licensing, and without <br /> it that going dark was not viable. He stated a 500-foot buffer was not enough, particularly with <br /> the density in Pleasanton. He stated licensing was necessary and without licensing, the "go <br /> dark" option was not viable. He stated he was conscious of the fact that people had <br /> businesses with livelihoods they were supporting, and there were adults choosing to use <br /> tobacco; but underage youth were somehow obtaining products. He cited statistics indicating <br /> that many youth were affected, but questioned whether tobacco in general should be <br /> restricted. He concurred with Commissioner Balch that grandfathering would prevent the issue <br /> from getting worse but would not allow it to improve. He stated he did not want to wait for the <br /> attrition of those businesses and he was considering the option to grandfather existing <br /> locations with the option to "go dark" but that without a TRL program, he did not know if he <br /> could vote for grandfathering and going dark. <br /> Commissioner Pace indicated broad support of the comments but suggested reviewing <br /> existing enforcement mechanisms. He stated there were other policy decisions around <br /> Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 of 11 January 15, 2020 <br /> Page 7 of 11 January 15, 2020 <br />