tobacco sales

schools made their voices heard regarding the dangers of tobacco, saying they support the adoption of more substantial penalties to de-incentivize retailers from selling to minors.

“Many times, it’s super easy to obtain these types of items, and I see many youth that easily get it,” said Daniel Ventura, president of the STAY Club at Vista High School. “I have a little sister at Vista Magnet, and it would be sad to see her get addicted to these things.” hibited products.

Ventura added that students at Vista High have grown accustomed to the fire alarm being frequently set off due to vaping products, which poses a danger if an actual fire happens, but students don't take the alarm seriously.

Councilmember Katie Melendez said the current system creates little accountability for the business owner since financial penalties are shouldered solely by the clerks. In the future, she advocated for code enforcement officers returning to stores to issue citations directly to retailers.

“When a young person is sold cigarettes or vapes, it can change the course of their life,” Melendez said. “It can destroy their health and their future, and I believe we need to have more accountability for our retailers and stronger language in our municipal code.”

Council members said they would support increasing the first-offense penalty to $750 and enforcing an immediate license suspension, with increased penalties for additional offenses. However, when crafting the ordinance, city staff must ensure the proposed measures don’t exceed the $1,000 penalty limit permitted under state law.

“I really think it’s the aggressive increase in fining, the suspension of li- censes that will really make a change, hopefully, on these retailers,” said Councilmember Joe Green.

Local adults and students from local high

Representatives from organizations like CleanEarth4Kids and the North Coastal Prevention Coali-