Fresno council members look to crack down on illegal tobacco sales with new ordinance

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A proposed ordinance could soon lead to a crackdown on illegal tobacco sales in the city of Fresno.

The Tobacco Retailer Licensing Ordinance would implement stricter rules and fines for those caught selling tobacco illegally.

The proposal was introduced on Tuesday morning by Fresno council president Nelson Esparza as well as council members Tyler Maxwell and Mike Karbassi.

"What the license does is really set a standard that you sell only what the law allows. Every product must be FDA authorized and on California's unflavored tobacco list," says Esparza.

"This policy finally gives us teeth. If you sell illegal products we are gonna seize them. If you sell illegal products and target kids, eventually we are gonna shut you down," continues Karbassi.

The ordinance would also enforce stricter regulations for those caught selling illegal flavored tobacco or selling to minors.

Plus seizing illegal products from shops, Karbassi says, "Seizing is going to be really important so there will be a warning but if you are selling an illegal product, its gone we can take that product off the streets and i think that the people that are really gonna appreciate this is not just the public the teachers, the parents, but the businesses selling legitimate businesses that do sell these things that follow the rules that don't break the law."

Local advocates say this is a long time coming, including local advocate of the ordinance, Baolia Xiong, who shares, "It's been years of us coming to the council, educating councilmembers about the impact tobacco and vaping has had on our young people in the community. A lot of the retailers are selling illegal products. They are selling flavored products that are now illegal in the state of California."

The proposed ordinance will be introduced to council during Thursday's meeting.

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