THURS-001 - Model Ordinance for Tobacco Retail Establishments: Strengthening Local Protections Against Youth Tobacco and ENDS Access

Brief Abstract Summary: Learn how a comprehensive model municipal ordinance can strengthen local tobacco control and prevent youth access to tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). This presentation highlights an adaptable policy framework developed through collaboration with public health officials, legal experts, and community stakeholders. Gain insights into evidence-informed strategies such as licensing and zoning restrictions, comprehensive ENDS definitions, and marketing and sales limitations designed to close regulatory loopholes. Recognize how local adoption of this model ordinance can enhance compliance, reduce retailer density, and align with state prevention goals to create healthier, tobacco-free communities across the country.

Detailed abstract description: Discover how municipalities across the country can strengthen youth tobacco prevention and control through the adoption of a comprehensive model ordinance. This poster presents an adaptable, evidence-informed policy framework designed to close regulatory loopholes, enhance enforcement, and align local action with state and federal tobacco control goals.

Attendees will learn how this model ordinance empowers local health departments, policymakers, and community advocates to implement clear, enforceable policies that effectively reduce youth access to tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Developed collaboratively with public health experts, legal counsel, and community stakeholders, the ordinance provides a practical blueprint that any jurisdiction can adapt to its unique legal and demographic context.

The ordinance incorporates six key components:

Licensing and Fees: Annual retailer licensing with revenue directed toward enforcement, education, and prevention programs.

Zoning Controls: Restrictions on retailer proximity to schools, parks, and youth-sensitive areas, and caps on licenses per square mile to prevent overconcentration.

Comprehensive ENDS Definitions: Inclusive language covering all devices, components, and substances—ensuring new or modified products cannot evade regulation.

Sales and Marketing Restrictions: Bans on non-FDA-authorized flavored products, limits on exterior advertising near schools, and restrictions on child-targeted displays.

Youth Protections: Strong age verification, removal of self-service sales, and tiered penalties that include license suspension or revocation for repeat violations.

Smoke/Vape-Free Public Property: Expansion of smoke-free and vape-free zones in municipal buildings, vehicles, and recreational areas.

The poster will showcase lessons learned from jurisdictions implementing similar policies, demonstrating measurable improvements such as stronger Tobacco 21 compliance, decreased retailer density, and reductions in illegal sales to minors. Attendees will gain insight into how precise definitions, equitable enforcement, and interagency collaboration can prevent the tobacco industry from exploiting policy gaps.

By engaging with this poster, participants will:

Recognize how adaptable model ordinances can advance youth tobacco prevention at the local level.

Learn strategies to tailor the model to different communities and policy environments.

Gain practical tools for stakeholder engagement, enforcement training, and equitable implementation.

Explore how local actions complement statewide and national tobacco control efforts to create lasting public health impact.

This presentation empowers public health professionals and policymakers to act locally while thinking strategically to build sustainable, tobacco-free environments and protect future generations nationwide.