The sale and distribution of certain flavored tobacco products will be permanently banned in Long Beach starting Aug. 15, officials announced Tuesday.
The ordinance originally went into effect on May 16, though there is a 90-day moratorium to allow retailers to come into compliance.
Businesses will be held responsible for the new ban, and those that do not comply may face citations or suspension of any permits, according to a city press release. Businesses can call the Tobacco Retail Enforcement Program at 562-570-7905 for assistance in complying with the new law.
The city originally voted to ban certain flavors of tobacco, vape devices and flavored cigarettes on April 13. The new ban that will be enforced in August now prohibits all flavored products, according to the city’s health department.
The ban does not affect the sale of shisha tobacco products from a hookah tobacco retailer under certain conditions and premium handmade cigars sold in cigar lounges, where products are purchased and consumed only on the premises, according to the city’s health webpage.