Even though it is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under 18 years of age, Santa Clara County youth are still able to purchase tobacco products in many retail stores. Thus, to address this problem, the County Board of Supervisors passed a local ordinance on November 23, 2010 that requires all retailers in unincorporated areas of the county to obtain and maintain an annual permit to sell tobacco products. Passing and enforcing a local tobacco retailer permit is an effective way to reduce youth access to tobacco products.
To learn more about the County's Tobacco Retailer Permit and its benefits to the community, click on the following links:
Community's Health on Tobacco Report Card
The Report Card is another method to both monitor and encourage cities' tobacco control policies, enforcement efforts and compliance with tobacco control policies. The goal of this project is to counter pro-tobacco influences in the community and prevent youth from getting access to tobacco, thereby preventing the possible addiction of tobacco among our county youth.
The Report Card is a joint project between the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, Tobacco Free Coalition of Santa Clara County, and Community Advocate Teens of Today.
To learn more about the Tobacco Retailer Permit and the Community's Health on Tobacco Report Card Project, or have questions about tobacco control laws and compliance issues, call 408-793-2700.