Capitola considers ban on flavored tobacco sales

Yet another Central Coast city is looking at possibly banning the sale of flavored tobacco and/or its products within city limits. This time it’s Capitola.

City leaders are in the drafting phase of an ordinance which would eiher ban or restrict the sale of flavored tobacco.

A Capitola City Council agenda cites a recent FDA study:

Data from FDA’s Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health found that nearly
80 percent of youth ages 12-17 and nearly 75 percent of young adults ages 18-25 who were current tobacco users in 2014 reported that the first tobacco product they ever used was flavored.

“I haven’t heard anything good about it. It’s like taking a drug in some form,” says Capitola visitor Mike French. “

At this time the city is considering the tobacco shops in town. According to a report presented to council members, there are 19 tobacco shops, 9 of which sell flavored tobacco primarily.

Opponents of any flavored tobacco ban in the past have said a ban would harm sales numbers and that some individuals use flavored tobacco to transition out of smoking.

“If they can sell marijuana in places, why can’t they sell some vape, y’know?” says Capitola resident, Terry Knox.

Whether the language of the ordinance set to be written by members of the Capitola City Council reflect a ban or a sales restriction remains to be seen.

Changes could be made to the draft to reflect either/or.