Agenda - 06-16-2015 - 6h - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 If preemption were lifted, localities would have the ability to increase the minimum legal sales age, as well as to institute local tax strategies to increase the cost of tobacco (a proven approach for reducing tobacco use and preventing youth from initiating use), to adopt retailer licensing laws (which would enable restrictions on density and placement of retailers, helping to prevent tobacco swamps and reducing proximity to schools), to pass restrictions on advertising/promotion and many other possible regulations such as those outlined in 2014 Point- of-Sale Strategies Report (Attachment 5 — only available electronically at http-//cphss.wusti.edu/Products/Documents/CPHSS TCLC 2014 PointofSaleStratepies1.pdf). Attachment 2 is a letter from the Centers for Disease Control highlighting the many public health reasons why preemption should be lifted. When the Orange County Board of Health approved its resolution (see Attachment 3) in March, it was the first in NC to do so. Health Department staff recently shared the resolution with peers, and three other county boards of health have already adopted similar resolutions (Durham, Chatham, and Cumberland). The resolution will also be considered in June by another county board of health (Pitt), and is under consideration by several others. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with adoption of the resolution. If preemption were to be rescinded by the General Assembly, as outlined in the proposed resolution, local governments such as Orange County would have the option of taxing tobacco products, which would generate revenue and - most importantly - reduce use of those products. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution (Attachment 4), which is similar to the resolution previously adopted by the Orange County Board of Health (Attachment 3).