Activists Gather to Show Support for San Diego Law to Stop Sales of Flavored Tobacco in City

Anti-smoking and vaping activists joined council members Jen Campbell and Marni von Wilpert Thursday to point out assist for ending the sale of flavored tobacco in San Diego.

An area ordinance to ban such gross sales, the SAAFE Act, is about to go earlier than the San Diego Metropolis Council on April 25.  

Council member Marni von Wilpert, in a press release, accused the smoking and vaping business of concentrating on and addicting “a brand new technology of kids on tobacco and nicotine merchandise” utilizing “sweet flavors to attraction to younger kids and trick them into pondering they’re smoking one thing safer than conventional cigarettes.”

“We should act now to carry Massive Tobacco accountable and to guard the well being and security of our youth,” she mentioned. 

The newest information reveals that over 2 million youngsters used e-cigarettes final yr, in keeping with the 2021 Nationwide Youth Tobacco Survey, and 85% of them use flavored tobacco merchandise. Regionally, it’s estimated that one in 4 San Diego highschool college students use e-cigarettes.  

“Our lives and the well being of our kids are at stake. The time for motion is now,” Council member Jen Campbell mentioned. 

An area coalition, San Diegans vs. Massive Tobacco, is behind the push for the town ban. Members embody the American Coronary heart Affiliation, American Lung Affiliation, American Most cancers Society Most cancers Motion Community, together with mum or dad, doctor and youth advocacy teams.

“All San Diego metropolis council members have the chance to make a vital choice that can enhance the well being and way forward for the town and its residents within the title of public well being, fairness and social justice,” mentioned Aida Castaneda, deputy coalition supervisor.

San Diego is likely one of the largest cities in California with out an ordinance ending the sale of flavored tobacco merchandise. Greater than 100 cities and counties throughout California, together with San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana and Lengthy Seashore, are cracking down on the sale of such merchandise.

California acted in 2020 to finish the sale of flavored tobacco merchandise, however that legislation is on maintain. The tobacco business spent $20 million to attempt to overturn it by way of a November 2022 referendum.