The Corte Madera Town Council has voted to advance an ordinance that would prohibit businesses from selling, distributing, or delivering tobacco and nicotine products within the Marin County community. The proposed ban includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products, and popular nicotine pouches like Zyn.
Local business owners have expressed significant concern that the ban could lead to the closure of their establishments, citing tobacco and nicotine products as a substantial portion of their sales. One manager of Colonial Liquors stated that these products account for roughly 40% of the store's revenue and warned that the ban might necessitate slashing employee hours or shutting down the business entirely.
Retailers argue that the ban will disproportionately affect them because neighboring communities will continue to allow tobacco sales. Customers seeking these products may simply drive to nearby towns, taking their overall spending with them. "If we don't have cigarettes, people are gonna take the car and drive somewhere else," said Jose, manager of Colonial Liquors. He also noted that customers purchasing tobacco often buy other items like drinks and snacks, meaning the ban could impact sales across multiple product categories.
Some businesses reported significant bi-weekly revenue from cigarette sales, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 at one gas station, while another shop estimated daily cigar sales to about 10 customers. The ordinance, if ultimately adopted, would allow businesses a grace period to sell existing inventory until January 31, 2027, with sales prohibited starting February 1, 2027.
Supporters of the ban, including Council Member Pat Ravasio, argue it is a necessary step to protect public health, particularly for young people. Ravasio stated that local governments must act when federal and state officials have not adequately addressed the issue of addictive and deadly substances. She also highlighted concerns about newer nicotine products that can be easily concealed.
However, Council Member James Andrews, who voted against the ordinance, criticized the proposal for placing an unfair financial burden on small businesses, many of which are already operating on tight margins. Andrews also pointed out that four of the six businesses affected by the ban are owned by immigrants or their children, suggesting the ban could disproportionately harm minority workers and owners.
Corte Madera, a community of approximately 10,000 residents with a high average household income, would join other California cities like Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach in implementing such a ban. Residents would still be permitted to possess and use tobacco and nicotine products, and FDA-authorized tobacco-cessation products sold for their approved purposes would be exempt. The council's vote advances the ordinance, but a final adoption vote is still pending.