Learning Objectives: List the challenges and successes California has experienced in terms of local enforcement of tobacco control laws.
Abstract: In November 1988, California voters approved the Tobacco Tax and Health Promotion Act of 1988 (Proposition 99) which added a 25-cent tax to each pack of cigarettes sold in the state. In recent years, additional taxes have also been added, bringing the total taxation to 87 cents per cigarette pack. These tobacco taxes are earmarked for tobacco-related research, health care, and health education.
The California Department of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section (CDHS/TCS) has previously been unable to fund enforcement activities because Proposition 99 did not provide authority for the Health Education Account Funds to be spent in this manner. Local governments have been responsible for designating funding for enforcement activities related to state and local tobacco control laws. However, with the influx of funding from the tobacco settlement agreement, which does not carry these same limitations, CDHS/TCS is now able to support local enforcement entities in their endeavors to enforce tobacco control laws.
Currently, there are two primary statewide tobacco control laws in place which control exposure to secondhand smoke and youth access to tobacco. Both of these laws are enforced at the local level. In addition to these statewide laws, there are a myriad of local tobacco control ordinances (e.g. self-service tobacco displays, tobacco retailer licensing,etc.).
This session is designed to provide participants with the latest information on enforcement efforts throughout California. Included will be compliance rates, valuable lessons learned, and recommended statewide protocols.
New information about methods of tracking and reporting program results and cost per enforcement activity with urban & rural comparisons
will be provided.
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