Politics & Government

City Talks Tobacco, Ponders Pasta and Boasts Fireworks

The Dublin City Council discussed a possible tobacco ordinance and a replacement for "Day on the Glen."

During the city council meeting on Tuesday, the Dublin City Council discussed the retail licensing system currently in place for tobacco sales within the city.

According to Linda Smith, the city’s public information officer, there are currently about two dozen tobacco retailers in the city, including gas stations and grocery stores.

The council discussed the possibility of creating an ordinance that would set restrictions such as distances allowed between retailers, distances of retailers from locations where there are children and adding a license, along with a fee, to be able to sell tobacco products within the city.

Mayor Tim Sbranti says the city is not doing anything to forbid tobacco sales but they are trying to control the number of businesses moving in that would sell tobacco.

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"We are trying to prevent the proliferation of gas stations and smoke shops within 1000 feet of each other," he said. "We want to keep the retailers at least 500 to 1000 feet from youth-oriented areas."

"With this ordinance, we would know that every tobacco retailer in the city was licensed," he commented.

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"The council wants information regarding full recovery costs, [and to] facilitiate two town hall meetings, one day and one evening, and to include cheap and flavored cigars as part of the ordinance," said Smith.

Members of the Chamber of Commerce turned out for the tobacco discussion and asked that the council have more discussion on the issue, according to Smith.

Sbranti says that members of the American Lung Association and the Alameda County Public Health Department also attended the meeting.

“It [the possible tobacco ordinance] was introduced as a natural progression of some of the steps our city is taking toward better health,” said Smith.

Smith says the council was excited to discuss the new city event coming this September, called “Splatter.”

“The council wanted an event that incorporated wine and food, while getting people to connect with wine and pasta,” she said. “The event will end with a fireworks show to celebrate the ‘All-American City’ status.”

“Splatter” will be held on September 22 at Emerald Glen Park. It is a one day, noodle-themed event showcasing wine, food and art. It is replacing the “Day on the Glen” event.

Smith says the council also agreed with all of the staff recommendations on the building plan for the Emerald Glen Park development. 


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