Tobacco Retailer Ordinance Revisions

Presented research showing that the healthy food exemption failed to improve healthy food access and mostly increased tobacco availability.

Supported repealing the healthy food exemption, noting that it acts as a loophole for tobacco sales and harms youth health.

Represented convenience store retailers, asking the council to protect small businesses and consider license transferability.

Expressed concern that non-transferable licenses render small businesses unsellable and harm family retirement plans.

Noted that while he supports healthy food sales, transferability is critical for small business owners relying on their stores for retirement.

Spoke as a high school student in favor of removing the healthy food exemption to protect youth from nicotine addiction.