An Urgency Interim Ordinance Prohibiting the Issuance of Tobacco Retailers’ Licenses June 30, 2026
Administration
Office of the City Attorney
Community Development
Executive Summary
Place a temporary moratorium on the issuance of additional Tobacco Retailers’ Licenses citywide Proposed ordinance would take effect immediately
Initial period of forty-five (45) days
Renewal of existing Tobacco Retailers' Licenses will not be affected
Background
In California, purchasing or using tobacco products is prohibited for anyone under the age of 21 Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and mortality worldwide Vaping is the most common tobacco product used by high school youth
Background
In 2015, the City of Salinas adopted an ordinance requiring all tobacco retailers to obtain a Tobacco Retailers’ License Oversight by Monterey County Health Department, the Salinas Police Department, and the Salinas City Attorney’s Office No limit on number of licenses issued
Background
124 active licensed tobacco retailers
No restrictions on proximity to youth-populated areas such as schools, parks, recreation centers, more Smoke shops and vape shops have the highest statewide violation rates of tobacco sales to minors1 1Synar Tobacco Purchase Survey,2025. Prepared by: California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Prevention Program July 2025.
Background
Fiscal Impact
No expected impact on the General Fund, Measure E, or Measure G
Recommended Motion
Adopt the proposed Urgency Interim Ordinance prohibiting the issuance of Tobacco Retailers’ Licenses citywide A four-fifths vote required (5 votes)
Next Steps
Initial period of forty-five (45) days
Two additional extensions possible
Ten (10) months and fifteen (15) days
One (1) year
Questions?