Chapter 7.44 — REGULATION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the welfare officers by discouraging the commercial exploitation of potential tobacco users and by discouraging actions that promote the unlawful sale of tobacco products to minors as well as the unlawful purchase or possession of tobacco products by minors. There is an existing problem within the City of Tulare regarding underage use of tobacco products. It is a public purpose and goal to reduce the amount of the underage use of tobacco products. The regulation of the manner in which tobacco products are displayed for public sale will reduce the opportunities for, and the likelihood of, minors being tempted to purchase, attempting to purchase and purchasing tobacco products for their own use and consumption. (1995 Code, § 7.44.010) (Ord 99-1838, passed - -1999)

The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meaning indicated, unless the context or usage clearly requires a different meaning. SELF SERVICE DISPLAY. An open display of tobacco products and point of sale tobacco promotional products that the public has access to without the assistance of an employee of the selling business establishment. TOBACCO PRODUCT. Any tobacco, cigarette, cigar, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, snuff or any other form of tobacco which may be utilized for smoking, chewing, inhalation or other manner of ingestion. VENDER ASSISTED. Only a store employee has access to the tobacco product and assists customer by supplying the product. The customer does not take possession of the product until it is purchased. (1995 Code, § 7.44.020) (Ord 99-1838, passed - -1999)

It shall be unlawful for any person, business or tobacco retailer within the city to sell, permit to be sold, offer for sale, or display for purposes of sale, by means of self-service displays or by any means other than vendor assisted sales, any tobacco projects. All tobacco products shall be stored, stocked and/or displayed in a place that is secured and unavailable to the public and which is accessible only to the employees of the store. (1995 Code, § 7.44.030) (Ord 99-1838, passed - -1999)