SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the Sacramento City Council voted to end an exemption for new tobacco retailers to bypass the city’s tobacco retailer proximity restrictions when at least 10% of their shelf space is dedicated to “fresh or healthy food” and no more than 5% is dedicated to tobacco products.
A 2026 study by UC Davis found that this exemption had become a loophole for tobacco sales.
The following is a statement from Ken Wilkerson, senior government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in California:
“We applaud city councilmembers for acknowledging this exemption has been exploited to increase the number of tobacco retailers operating in Sacramento.
“It is clear this policy is not working to improve Sacramentans’ health. Small produce displays should not serve as a loophole for selling dangerous, highly addictive tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
“Ending this exemption for new tobacco retailers will help decrease tobacco use, prevent kids from ever starting and reduce people’s risk for tobacco-related diseases, including cancer.”