Tiburon, CA — The Town of Tiburon has made history by becoming one of the few U.S. municipalities to completely ban the sale of tobacco products, following a unanimous vote by the town council on Wednesday. The new ordinance prohibits the sale of cigarettes, cigars, vapes, e-cigarettes, and all other nicotine products.
Tiburon Mayor Holli Thier described the move as a vital step toward protecting public health and the environment.
“I am pleased to have sponsored and voted to save lives and save our environment,” Thier said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “With local youth in Marin County vaping at twice the national average, it is critical that we take all efforts to reduce teen addiction.”
Ban Aimed at Protecting Youth and the Environment
The new law reflects growing concern over rising youth vaping rates in Marin County, where teens are reported to vape at double the national average.
“By banning all tobacco sales here in Tiburon, we are preventing youth from getting addicted and protecting our environment,” Thier added.
According to Fox News, the mayor also emphasized that cigarettes are the largest single-use plastic pollutant in the world, often ending up in rivers, bays, and oceans.
The Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC) — a student-led anti-tobacco coalition — played a key role in pushing for the ban. Several high school students from across the county attended council meetings to express support for the measure.
One student advocate, Diana Garcia, told the council during the November 5 meeting:
“I urge you to keep supporting this amendment to protect the health and future of our youth. You have a chance to set an example for communities to follow.”
Tobacco Use and Health Impact
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50 million U.S. adults reported using a tobacco product in 2022. The CDC also estimates that smoking and secondhand smoke cause over 480,000 deaths annually, harming nearly every organ in the body and leading to numerous chronic diseases.
In 2023, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine’s County Health Rankings & Roadmaps report named Marin County the healthiest county in California.
“We remain committed to doing the hard work and changing the outcomes so all in Marin can thrive and live healthy lives,” said Niccore Tyler, Marin County’s chief strategy officer for health and human services.
Business Opposition and Economic Concerns
While health officials and youth advocates celebrated the decision, some business owners and trade organizations voiced strong opposition. The California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA) criticized the ordinance, arguing it could hurt small businesses.
“We believe this complete prohibition sends a discouraging message to small businesses and entrepreneurs,” the CFCA wrote in a letter to the council.
“Small businesses, including convenience stores and gas stations, are essential to communities and provide residents with convenient access to everyday necessities.”
The organization also warned that outright bans create uncertainty and discourage investment, calling instead for reasonable regulation rather than full prohibition.
A Model for Other Communities?
Tiburon’s comprehensive tobacco sales ban could serve as a model for other California cities, particularly as public health advocates push for more aggressive measures to combat nicotine addiction among young people.
Supporters say the ordinance will not only reduce youth access to nicotine but also help preserve the area’s natural environment.
What are your thoughts on Tiburon’s decision to ban tobacco sales entirely? Share your views in the comments below.
