What is this policy about?
Flavored products have long been a favorite tobacco industry strategy for targeting young people. Whether it’s with flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes or flavored cigars, the tobacco industry has used flavors to hook young people for decades.
SB 793 will prohibit the retail sale of flavored tobacco products – including flavored electronic cigarettes – to address an unprecedented surge in youth nicotine consumption.
How does it align with yli’s values?
Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products will help protect the youth we serve, who have long been targeted by the tobacco industry. 85% of all African American smokers smoke menthol cigarettes, including 7 in 10 African American youth smokers. Cigars are also more popular among African American high school students. E-cigarettes are by far the most popular tobacco product among African-American (17.7%) and Hispanic (23.2%) youth. Among middle school students, e-cigarette use is highest among Hispanic students (13.1%). LGBTQ youth have also long been targeted by the industry, resulting in smoking rates double that of heterosexual youth, as well as higher rates of e-cigarette and cigar use.
What is yli doing about it?
yli youth have been working directly on this issue for decades. Current programs include Mobilizing Youth to Nix Tobacco (MYNT) in Fresno, Youth Community Advocates in Long Beach, and Community Action Model in San Francisco.
We have also just signed a letter of endorsement, and we are voicing our support on social media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Who else supports this policy?
This bill is supported by hundreds of organizations, coalitions, cities, and elected officials across the state. See the full list here.