A sting operation — called a Youth Tobacco Purchase Survey — conducted in early 2007 with the help of law enforcement, showed that seven of the 15 retailers approached by “undercover” youths were willing to make an unlawful tobacco sale.
That 47% sales rate is significantly higher than California’s 2005 average of 10.2% from a similar statewide sting operation.
Last year, the Youth Council approached the City Council with its suggested remedy to La Cañada’s problem: an ordinance to protect youths from what can become a lifelong addiction.
State law already restricts the sale of tobacco products to minors; however, the survey shows that some area businesses aren’t doing enough to ensure compliance with that law, city staff said during the June 15 City Council meeting.
The ordinance passed during that meeting by the City Council requires tobacco retailers to pay a yearly fee, which will go to pay for enforcement of the ordinance, including regular compliance monitoring.
The ordinance also allows officials to revoke a retailer’s license if it’s found that the establishment is illegally selling tobacco to minors.
During last Thursday’s Youth Council meeting, Rivera told the youths she is proud of their dedication to ensuring the health of other young people in the community.
“You should be very proud of yourselves. You have accomplished something that shows how much you care about the community and shows how much the council thinks of you, that they would listen to your ideas and pass this ordinance,” she said.
Along with the award, each of the Youth Council members received a certificate of appreciation from the hospital.
