Public commenter asks Escondido to review new California tobacco law and tighten local penalties

Becky Rap, a member of the public, alerted the council to a new California law that took effect Jan. 1 and affects tobacco retailers. Rap said the law amends the cigarette and tobacco product licensing framework to prohibit businesses that sell or store cigarettes or tobacco products from processing or selling marijuana and certain hemp‑derived cannabinoid products such as delta‑8.

Rap urged the council to direct staff at a future meeting to review the state law and update Escondido’s local ordinance to allow additional fines, license suspensions and permit revocations. "The state is authorized to seize these products and impose civil penalties, including license suspension and revocation," Rap said. "So tonight, I just... ask that at a future meeting, possibly we could direct staff to review the new state law, update Escondido's local ordinance, and prioritize strong local penalty structure."

The speaker left a copy of the notice with the clerk; council did not take immediate action during the meeting. Any local ordinance changes would require a staff review and subsequent council consideration.