(A) The Board of Trustees finds that youth addiction to tobacco products is a public health problem with grave health consequences. In recognition that almost 90% of all smokers begin smoking by the age of 18, action is needed to curtail the easy access of minors to cigarettes and other addictive tobacco products. Furthermore, the Board of Trustees finds that the state legislature has limited the powers granted to local governments to address the problem of youth access to tobacco.
(B) Therefore, the intent of this chapter is to:
(1) Implement the strictest and most enforceable system allowed under state law to prevent the illegal sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors;
(2) Periodically amend and update this chapter as necessary to best utilize any applicable powers which may be returned to municipalities in the future; and
(3) Educate, encourage and assist underage tobacco users in ceasing all use of addictive tobacco products, preferably before daily use of such products is initiated.
(Prior Code, § 5-4A-1) (Ord. 1-1998, passed 1-5-1998)