City May Ban Cigarette Vending Machines

At the urging of some Fountain Valley High School students, the City Council tonight will consider an ordinance that would prohibit cigarette sales from vending machines except in bars and other adult venues.

In June, several students made a presentation to the council about the accessibility of tobacco products to minors through vending machines and requested the council consider banning them in the community.

More recently, an Orange County Department of Education survey of 15,000 students showed that more than 50% of kids who smoke are able to buy cigarettes from vending machines and stores.

Donald L. Heinbuch, administrative services manager, said the proposal would restrict tobacco products from being sold in neighborhood markets and hotels.

Bars could continue selling tobacco products through vending machines because minors are not allowed inside.

However, tobacco vending machines in taverns would have to be at least 20 feet away from the entrance, Heinbuch said.

The Police Department has started a campaign to deter over-the-counter sales of tobacco products to minors, Heinbuch said.

The campaign, which also involves an educational program in schools, will include:

* Distributing a letter to retailers that carry tobacco products reminding them of the laws regarding sales to minors.

* Sending fact sheets to students and officials at Fountain Valley schools about statutes on tobacco possession.

* Encouraging enforcement by police officers when they encounter juveniles who possess tobacco products or businesses selling cigarettes to minors.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. in council chambers, 10200 Slater Ave.