2.-Z. ID 26-1048 ***BILL B-24 (Introduced July 30, 2026) (For Adoption) Adding Article 38 of Chapter 9 of the Fresno Municipal Code relating to Tobacco Retailer's License (Subject to Mayor's Veto)
I am a resident of District 1, and a strong advocate in support of the Tobacco Retailer’s License ordinance. California law requires that tobacco retailers obtain a state license to sell commercial tobacco products. However, many local jurisdictions in the state have taken additional local measures to ensure that tobacco retailers are compliant with local, state, and federal laws. It is important that the city of Fresno sets the same standard.
A tobacco retailer’s license (TRL) helps to address public health concerns in the tobacco retail environment, such as the illegal sale of tobacco to minors. The license fees from the program will fund enforcement to ensure tobacco retailers do not sell tobacco to people under the age of 21, or sell tobacco or drug related products that are illegal under California law.
According to Fresno County Department of Public Health (2024) data, 34% of local tobacco retailers are located near schools. Evidence indicates that the frequency of exposure to tobacco retailers influences the likelihood of students to try vaping or smoking. This ordinance is a good first step, and a recommended addition for future action is to ban the opening of new licensed tobacco retailers within 1000 feet of our schools.
Thank you for your time and work to protect youth in our community.
August 12, 2026
Dear Fresno City Council Members,
I am a resident of District 1, and a strong advocate in support of the Tobacco Retailer’s License ordinance. California law requires that tobacco retailers obtain a state license to sell commercial tobacco products. However, many local jurisdictions in the state have taken additional local measures to ensure that tobacco retailers are compliant with local, state, and federal laws. It is important that the city of Fresno sets the same standard.
A tobacco retailer’s license (TRL) helps to address public health concerns in the tobacco retail environment, such as the illegal sale of tobacco to minors. The license fees from the program will fund enforcement to ensure tobacco retailers do not sell tobacco to people under the age of 21, or sell tobacco or drug related products that are illegal under California law.
According to Fresno County Department of Public Health (2024) data, 34% of local tobacco retailers are located near schools. Evidence indicates that the frequency of exposure to tobacco retailers influences the likelihood of students to try vaping or smoking. This ordinance is a good first step, and a recommended addition for future action is to ban the opening of new licensed tobacco retailers within 1000 feet of our schools.
Thank you for your time and work to protect youth in our community.
Sincerely,
Ginnie Day, MPH