September 30, 2025
San Leandro Planning Commission
835 East 14th Street
San Leandro, CA 94577
Subject: Neutral Position on the Proposed Tobacco Retail Licensing Code Amendments Ordinance Dear Members of the San Leandro Planning Commission,
On behalf of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance (CFCA), we are writing to express our neutral position on the Tobacco Retail Licensing Code Amendments following the updated ordinance language that now permits new gas stations and convenience stores to sell tobacco products as accessory sales.
We are pleased that the amended ordinance addresses our primary concern regarding tobacco sales in new gas stations and convenience stores. The updated amendment language now allows new gas stations and convenience stores to engage in tobacco retail sales as an accessory use with reasonable restrictions. This is a significant policy change from the original proposal which would have completely barred new stores from selling tobacco products. The updated language reflects the concerns our retailers raised throughout this process. Additionally, we appreciate the increase in display space from 10 linear feet to 15 linear feet, which provides more flexibility for product display.
We want to express our sincere appreciation to the San Leandro Planning Commission for holding several meetings to hear from our industry and engage with stakeholders during this process. Your willingness to listen to our concerns and work collaboratively to address implementation challenges demonstrates a commitment to balanced policy-making that considers the perspectives of all affected parties.
Therefore, given that new gas stations and convenience stores are now permitted to sell tobacco products as accessory sales under reasonable restrictions, CFCA adopts a neutral position on the Tobacco Retail Licensing Code Amendments. We remain committed to working constructively with the San Leandro Planning Commission on future retail policy matters and appreciate your ongoing consideration of our industry's perspectives. Thank you for your responsiveness to our concerns.
Sincerely,
Alessandra Magnasco
Sr. Director, Government Affairs
California Fuels & Convenience Alliance