Proposed ordinance to set minimum tobacco prices and ban certain tobacco products.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF CORTE MADERA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on April 7, 2026, at 6:30PM, in a meeting held in person in the Town Council Chambers located at 300 Tamalpais Drive, with an option for virtual participation for the public, the Town Council of the Town of Corte Madera will consider the adoption of an ordinance which would add Chapter 5.07 to the Corte Madera Municipal Code (CMMC) establishing a minimum price on packages of cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, and smokeless tobacco; it would also prohibit discounts and promotional sales on all tobacco products and increase the minimum price every two years after enforcement begins. The Chapter would ban the sale of electronic smoking devices, heated smoking systems, and tobacco and nicotine pouches.
Summary of Proposed OrdinanceThe proposed ordinance would add a new Chapter 5.07 to the CMMC. Adoption of the proposed ordinance would establish minimum prices for packages of cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, and smokeless tobacco; prohibit coupons or other discounts on the price of tobacco products; and ban the sale of electronic smoking devices, heated smoking systems, and tobacco and nicotine pouches. The proposed ordinance mandates that no tobacco retailer shall sell to a consumer: (1) Cigarettes at a price that is less than twelve dollars ($12) per package of twenty (20), plus two dollars ($2) for each additional cigarette; (2) Little cigars at a price that is less than twelve dollars ($12) per package of five little cigars, plus three dollars ($3) for each additional little cigar; (3) Cigars at a price that is less than six dollars ($6) per cigar enclosed in a package of two or single cigars at less than twelve dollars ($12) per cigar; and (4) Smokeless tobacco at a price of less than twelve dollars ($12) per package. The proposed ordinance also prohibits tobacco retailers from selling any electronic smoking device, heated smoking system, and tobacco or nicotine pouches as defined within the ordinance. The proposed ordinance also prohibits tobacco retailers from honoring coupons or providing discounts on any tobacco product, requires tobacco retailers to prominently display pricing, and requires tobacco retailers to sell tobacco products in the manufacturer's packaging that conforms to all applicable federal labeling and child-resistant packaging requirements. Every two (2) years after the September 1, 2026 enforcement date, the minimum prices would increase by one dollar ($1), unless ordained or resolved otherwise by the Corte Madera Town Council. The proposed ordinance would only apply within the Town of Corte Madera.
***************This ordinance was introduced at the March 17, 2026 Council meeting and is scheduled to be considered for adoption by the Town Council at its regular meeting on April 7, 2026. The ordinance would take effect thirty (30) days after passage but would not be enforceable until September 1, 2026. . NOTE: The above is a summary of major highlights of the proposed ordinance. A reading of the entire ordinance may be necessary to obtain a full understanding of the regulations proposed. For a copy of the complete text of this ordinance, please contact the Town Clerk at (415) 927-5050. Alternatively, a copy of the ordinance can be obtained via the April 7, 2026 Town Council agenda packet which will be available on the Town’s website atwww.cortemadera.gov/AgendaCenter/Town-Council-1 by the end of the day on April 3, 2026.
/s/ Lorena Barrera Corte Madera Town Clerk Dated: 3/18/26###### April 2, 2026