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President of the Pleasanton Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Council Maritess Simmons <br /> provided a summary of Pleasanton youth in relation to neighboring cities in terms of e-cigarette <br /> use; she encouraged strong enforcement processes. <br /> THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED <br /> Chair Ritter requested clarification on the staff recommendation for the Planning Commission. <br /> Ms. Seto explained that the Planning Commission should consider the Youth Commission's <br /> recommendation regarding the restriction of tobacco sales within 1,000 feet of public schools, <br /> public parks and public recreation facilities conforms with the General Plan and to provide any <br /> policy recommendations to forward to the City Council. She confirmed that the City did not <br /> currently have a tobacco retail license ordinance. <br /> Commissioner Pace asked about the possibility for licensing offsetting the cost of increased <br /> responsibility of the Police Department. <br /> Ms. Seto explained that fees could only be set at a cost recovery level. She stated other cities <br /> licensing fee was approximately $300-900 for initial application. <br /> Commissioner Balch asked if the current ban on smoking in city parks included all tobacco <br /> products. <br /> Ms. Seto confirmed that it included all tobacco products including electronic cigarettes in City <br /> parks and public trails, with an exception of golf courses. <br /> In response to Commissioner Ritter, Ms. Seto confirmed that similar restrictions were recently <br /> adopted for schools. <br /> Commissioner Brown asked which other neighboring cities had licensing. Ms. Seto referenced <br /> the Agenda Report listing other nearby cities with licensing. <br /> Commissioner Allen disclosed her discussions with staff from the City of Livermore and <br /> explained grandfathered retailers would lose their license if caught selling illegally to minors. <br /> She discussed American Lung Association data listing cities in California with buffers. She <br /> continued, commenting on the critical need to protect the youth and the epidemic surrounding <br /> tobacco use. She referenced other cities with ordinances in place to protect youth. She <br /> indicated her support for not grandfathering retailers; but if grandfathering was considered, that <br /> a longer (one year) lead time for retailers to expend existing inventory and bring in alternate <br /> products to make up for revenue loss might be appropriate. Also, with respect to <br /> grandfathering, she stated it should include "going dark" in retail locations, and in conjunction <br /> with a strong tobacco licensing program, with stiff fines and loss of grandfathering rights if the <br /> retailer had violations. For her, grandfathering should only be considered if it included both of <br /> these components. <br /> Commissioner Balch inquired about Commissioner Allen's thought on regulations for tobacco <br /> shops versus tobacco retailers Commissioner Allen responded that she struggled with that <br /> distinction but could support grandfathering existing tobacco stores because of the distinction <br /> Excerpt: Draft Planning Commission Minutes, January 15, 2020 Page 5 of 9 <br />