Canepa: Menthol ban proposal is fight against Big Tobacco

From Supervisor Canepa: San Mateo County supervisors David J. Canepa and Carole Groom are co-sponsoring an ordinance to ban the sales of flavored tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, at its June 5 meeting. The board votes on the ban the same day residents in San Francisco vote on whether to repeal a ban on menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products the board approved in 2017.

“Big Tobacco is in decline and desperate to groom new addicts. They push the promise that electronic cigarettes are safer for you but there is zero proof of that. It’s no secret the industry tempts children to try their products with flavors such as bubble gum and cotton candy in hopes of developing lifelong addicts and customers,” Canepa said.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution in 2011 calling on the Food and Drug Administration to ban menthol products. Recent court decisions, however, allow local municipalities to now ban the sales of menthol and other flavored tobacco products, including cigarillos and e-juices for vaping.
Recently, the North Fair Oaks Community Council unanimously voted to support the ban. The council provides recommendations to the board on the issues of community health, safety, welfare, public works and planning in North Fair Oaks, which is part of unincorporated San Mateo County.

The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company has spent at least $12.7 million to repeal the ban of flavored tobacco products in San Francisco.

“This is a move toward a healthier society. This ordinance is simply about improving health outcomes for our residents and it’s a clear message to Big Tobacco that luring new customers with candy-flavored products in San Mateo County will not be tolerated,” Canepa said.

WHO: San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa, District 5
WHAT: Ordinance to ban flavored tobacco products
WHEN: 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 5
WHERE: Board chambers, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063

Press contact:
Bill Silverfarb (415) 314-1737 bsilverfarb@smcgov.org

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