California One of the Leaders in the Nation in Protecting Youth From Flavored Tobacco Products at State and Local Level

For over 20 years, the annual “State of Tobacco Control” report has graded state and federal government on their implementation and enforcement of policies proven to combat tobacco use. Once again, California finds itself as one of the Nation’s leaders regarding Smokefree Air, Tobacco Prevention Programs, and other key areas. California’s Quitline Funding grade in Cessation Services remains an “A”. While California continues to push for new and effective tobacco control policies, it is apparent that local policy change lies at the heart of the state’s fight against growing tobacco use. 

In 2024, California continued to lead the fight against the tobacco industry and protect its youth from tobacco access. Senate Bill 1230, introduced by Senator Susan Rubio, and Assembly Bill 3218, by Assemblymember Wood, close loopholes in the existing flavor law (Senate Bill 793), which prohibits the retail sale of most flavored tobacco products. These new laws aim to strengthen and streamline enforcement against prohibited flavored tobacco sales. AB 3218 also grants the Attorney General the authority to create an unflavored tobacco list. The state invests hundreds of millions annually in robust tobacco control and prevention programs, including local policy efforts.

Localities across California, such as Emeryville, Alameda County, Fresno County, and Clovis County have adopted strong tobacco retail license ordinances that include comprehensive local flavored tobacco laws. 

Burlingame and San Mateo County have also passed stand-alone flavored tobacco ordinances to protect youth from tobacco access. For more information see the California state highlights section for this year’s report.

In conjunction with the national report, the State of Tobacco Control 2025- California Local Grades report issues grades for all 482 cities and 58 counties in California on policies for Smokefree Outdoor Air, Smokefree Housing, Flavored Tobacco and Reducing Sales of Tobacco Products. This report identifies progressive local government as the driving force behind California’s tobacco reform. Despite widespread local level policy change, tobacco remains the nation’s leading cause of preventable death and disease, taking an estimated 490,000 lives each year. It is essential that California continues to push for the protection of all residents. The American Lung Association and its partners continue to call for immediate action by communities to reduce smoking rates, protect all Americans from secondhand smoke, and ultimately eliminate the deaths and diseases caused by tobacco use.

View the nationwide American Lung Association "State of Tobacco Control" 2025 report at www.Lung.org/sotc

View the California State Press Release

For media inquiries, contact:
Bo Smith, 310-359-6386, Bo.Smith@Lung.org


Page last updated: January 21, 2025

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