HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 04 2025 Item 8.2 - Tobacco and Smoking Control Ordinance - Joshita MothiCAUTION: This email originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
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From:Joshita Mothi
To:Public Comments
Subject:EXTERNAL - Public Comment- Initial Direction and Scope of Tobacco and Smoking Control Ordinance Update and
Potential Moratorium
Date:Monday, August 4, 2025 12:32:58 PM
Dear Gilroy City Council,
The Community Advocate Teens of Today of Santa Clara County is dedicated to protecting
and improving the health and wellbeing of all communities throughout Santa Clara County.
We are writing to ask that the City of Gilroy strengthens the existing tobacco retail license
(TRL) to better protect and serve community health.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. In Santa Clara County,
the average age that students first report using a tobacco product is 14 years old, and 83.8%
report the first product that they try is a vape. Historically, the tobacco industry has targeted
vulnerable populations, especially youth. Expansion of tobacco product technology and
flavors lure youth to try vaping, cigarettes, and other products like ZYN pouches. All tobacco
products contain nicotine, which addicts and keeps users hooked on tobacco. Additionally,
nicotine poisons adolescent brains and is dangerous for youth brain development. Thus we are
also concerned about these products being sold at smoke and vape shops within Gilroy. Out of
the 50 tobacco retailers in Gilroy, 11 are located within 1,000 feet of schools that serve Gilroy
students. This is why Gilroy must adopt a TRL strong enough to adequately protect youth
from tobacco. The current TRL does not do enough to minimize youth access to tobacco
products or to protect all of Gilroy’s residents from the harms of tobacco’s
influence. 6 out of 16 jurisdictions in Santa Clara County currently have comprehensive TRLs
that include provisions such as these—Gilroy is not one of them. Let’s make the changes
needed to get Gilroy there. Strengthening the existing TRL can better hold retailers
accountable, prevent illegal sales, and foster healthier, more equitable environments for all
Gilroy residents. To the Tobacco-Free Coalition of Santa Clara County, a strong TRL would
include:
Detailed enforcement provisions, including adequate fees that will ensure enforcement
activities
Limitations in tobacco retailer density, including buffer zones from youth-sensitive areas
and other retailers
Sales restrictions on all flavored tobacco and vaping products
Consider a cap on retailers to address tobacco density issues
Thank you for your continued commitment to ensure a healthy, united community in Gilroy.
Sincerely,
Joshita Mothi
Community Advocate Teens of Today Member