PFMA recently contacted each Philadelphia City Council member to explain our opposition to Bill Number 180457 by Council member Curtis Jones Jr., which would prohibit the sale of certain flavored tobacco products throughout the city.
Our members appreciate the critical responsibility of protecting the health of the people of Philadelphia and they are committed to preventing underage sales. Accordingly, we commend proactive measures such as the We Card Program, a national non-profit organization providing educational and training services to comply with federal and state laws, while working to prevent underage tobacco and age-restricted product sales.
We explained our concern that the proposal would simply shift the legal sales of covered tobacco products to competitors in nearby towns and counties, perhaps even out of state. It also stands to reason that, while there, customers would buy other items as well, further hurting the bottom line of Philadelphia merchants. Beyond inconveniencing law-abiding adults, this bill hurts businesses in Philadelphia.
Also, we offered our support of Bill Number 180522 by Council member Mark Squilla, which would improve the application and renewal process for tobacco retailer permit. This legislation would relax limitations on the transferability of a permit between locations operated by the same tobacco retailer. This would allow business owners to remain nimble in light of changing business climate and take advantage of opportunities to expand or change their operations.
As always, PFMA staff will continue to monitor legislation introduced and considered by Philadelphia City Council. PFMA members are encouraged to contact us with questions or concerns about potential ordinances or other governmental action.
Our members appreciate the critical responsibility of protecting the health of the people of Philadelphia and they are committed to preventing underage sales. Accordingly, we commend proactive measures such as the We Card Program, a national non-profit organization providing educational and training services to comply with federal and state laws, while working to prevent underage tobacco and age-restricted product sales.
We explained our concern that the proposal would simply shift the legal sales of covered tobacco products to competitors in nearby towns and counties, perhaps even out of state. It also stands to reason that, while there, customers would buy other items as well, further hurting the bottom line of Philadelphia merchants. Beyond inconveniencing law-abiding adults, this bill hurts businesses in Philadelphia.
Also, we offered our support of Bill Number 180522 by Council member Mark Squilla, which would improve the application and renewal process for tobacco retailer permit. This legislation would relax limitations on the transferability of a permit between locations operated by the same tobacco retailer. This would allow business owners to remain nimble in light of changing business climate and take advantage of opportunities to expand or change their operations.
As always, PFMA staff will continue to monitor legislation introduced and considered by Philadelphia City Council. PFMA members are encouraged to contact us with questions or concerns about potential ordinances or other governmental action.
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