TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
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The City Attorney's Office's Tobacco Enforcement Program works closely with businesses and community organizations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal tobacco control laws. One of the primary goals of the Tobacco Enforcement Program is to ensure compliance and enforce the laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors. Research shows that such protection is necessary:
- Approximately 80% of tobacco users initiate use before age 18 years (Centers for Disease Control, MMWR, 2000)
- The earlier children use tobacco the more likely they are to become heavily addicted to nicotine (California Adult Survey, 1996)
- Approximately one-third of new adolescent smokers will die from a smoking-related disease. (Centers for Disease Control, MMWR, 1996)
Research also shows that limiting youth access to tobacco significantly decreases adolescent smoking rates and related health risks.
The Tobacco Enforcement Program provides important resources to tobacco retailers, including information on Tobacco Retailer Permits and guidance & information regarding lawful practices for tobacco sales in the City of Los Angeles.
It is illegal to engage in the sale of tobacco or tobacco related products without a valid Tobacco Retail Permit.
The City of Los Angeles recently passed a new Outdoor Dining No-Smoking Ordinance that became effective on March 8, 2010 with a public education period that will take place from March 8, 2010 to March 7, 2011. The no smoking provisions take effect on March 8, 2011.
During the year of public education, businesses are required to post a notice about the new law at their place of business. More information about the ban and notice signage can be found at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Tobacco Control and Prevention Program site at http://www.lapublichealth.org/
