The Santa Cruz City Council has decided to ban the sale of filtered tobacco products starting in 2027, following earlier similar bans in the area. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson highlighted the environmental impact of filtered cigarettes, calling them the most littered item globally, and emphasized their lack of health benefits. Community members, including local organizations, have engaged in this issue over several years, indicating both public support and concerns from local retailers about the ban's implications for business.
Today's ordinance reflects a simple truth, and that is that filtered cigarettes are the most littered item on the planet and they impact our local beaches. They offer no health benefits, and they release microplastics and toxins into our oceans, into our parks and into our neighborhoods.
In short, the data reflects a range of perspectives, including both strong support for action and also specific concerns from affected businesses.
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