Moraga, Calif. Bans Flavors as State Vote looms

At its meeting this week, the Moraga Town Council approved the second reading of an ordinance that will ban the sale of flavored tobacco as of Jan. 1, 2023.

The vote comes just days before a Nov. 8 vote on a statewide referendum that will ask voters whether or not to keep a statewide ban that was approved in August 2020 but put on hold due to legal challenges.

In addition to the ban on flavored vaping and other tobacco products, the ordinance prohibits the sale of all electronic smoking devices and e-liquids within the town, and prohibits all non-sale distribution of tobacco products, reports Halfwheel.

It also updates laws that require all tobacco sales be assisted by a tobacco retailer, meaning that there can be no self-service displays of tobacco products.

In the ordinance, the town stated that its goal was to reduce access and exposure to these products by younger members of the community, which it believes will promote public health both in minors and adults residing in the town.

The town also sought to align itself with laws adopted by other cities and towns in Contra Costa County. The bill does not affect the sale of non-flavored tobacco products, such as premium cigars.

Moraga is located just over 20 miles east of San Francisco and is home to approximately 17,000 residents.