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Attachment 3 10
<br /> ORANGE GCOUNTY
<br /> HEALTH DEPARTMENT
<br /> Improving health. Inspiring change.
<br /> 2024 Wednesday,April 24,2024
<br /> Board o
<br /> Cy Stober
<br /> Planning and Inspections Director
<br /> Chairperson The Orange County Planning Department
<br /> Aparna ■ 131 W.Margaret Lane,Suite 201
<br /> Hillsborough,North Carolina 27278
<br /> Vice-Chairperson I
<br /> Alison Stuebe, MD, MSc ]dear Mr.Stober,
<br /> ShielOn behalf of the Orange County Board of Health,I am writing to advocate for the implementation
<br /> "' Rodgers, of zoning restrictions prohibiting the opening of new tobacco,hemp,and vape retailers near schools,
<br /> parks, and other locations where youth congregate within our county. Such measures are essential
<br /> for promoting public health,particularly among our youth,and for creating environments conducive
<br /> Lee Pickett, to healthy living.
<br /> North Carolina law prohibits local governments from adopting regulations regarding the sale,
<br /> r.vla Nickelson, DDS distribution,display,and promotion of tobacco products,including e-cigarettes. However,NC local
<br /> governments have clear authority to regulate land uses through zoning,including regulating where
<br /> particular land uses are permitted. Under land use regulation, local ordinances can regulate the
<br /> Keith Bagby, BS location of retailers selling tobacco and hemp products. Two other NC counties — Wake and
<br /> Cumberland—and several NC municipalities have recently enacted Land Development Ordinances
<br /> to prevent new tobacco,hemp,and vape shops from opening near places where youth congregate,
<br /> including schools,libraries,places of worship, and parks. At the end of this letter, I have included
<br /> Tony Whitaker, PE links to copies of these ordinances for your reference. I am also 'including some sample language
<br /> based on the latest guidance from the Region 5 Tobacco Prevention Branch recommending the
<br /> distance that these new facilities are required to maintain from schools,libraries,or parks.
<br /> CPP Restricting the proximity of tobacco retailers to schools and parks helps protect our children and
<br /> adolescents from the harmful effects of tobacco use. For years,adolescent smoking rates have been
<br /> declining,though nearly one in five high school seniors still use tobacco. However,adolescents'use
<br /> Bruce of e-cigarettes, nicotine vapor devices, hookahs, and small cigars has gone up dramatically,
<br /> Baldwin,OD, threatening to completely erase decades of progress. Numerous studies have shown that exposure
<br /> to tobacco marketing and easy access to tobacco products significantly increase the likelihood of
<br /> youth initiating smoking or using napes and other tobacco products. By implementing zoning .
<br /> Rachel Royce, PhD, MPH restrictions, we can reduce the visibility and availability of these products in areas frequented by
<br /> children and teenagers,thereby lowering the likelihood of experimentation and addiction.
<br /> County Commissioner Establishing tobacco retailer zoning restrictions near schools, libraries, and parks sends a clear
<br /> Amy Fowler, MD, MPH message about our community's commitment to promote health and well-being. It demonstrates
<br /> that we prioritize the safety and development of our youth and are dedicated to creating environments
<br /> that support healthy choices. By creating tobacco-free zones around educational and recreational
<br /> facilities,we can foster an atmosphere where children and families can engage in physical activity and
<br /> social interactions without the influence of tobacco-related activities.
<br /> 919 245 2405 > 300 West Tryon Street Hillsborough, IAC 27278 > orangecountync.gov
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