Some California lawmakers are moving to ban all tobacco sales in the state. That means no cigarettes or tobacco products would be sold to anyone born after January 1, 2007. KNX's Charles Feldman spoke with the bill's author, Democratic Assemblyman Damon Connolly.
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In a conversation with KNX's Charles Feldman, the bill's author, Democratic Assemblyman Damon Connolly, says, "This is centered around making sure that, in particular, our youth are moving away from the use of tobacco."
According to Assemblyman Connolly, if you are a smoker born before the 2007 cutoff, you will not be forced to quit - "it would not take away any current person's ability to smoke. It's about creating a new generation of folks who are not addicted to nicotine" says Connolly.
Connolly knows this idea will require more than just the prohibition; it will require "continuing to educate folks, to talk about how these products are killing people. In particular, the threats to our younger population."
While it likely comes as no surprise who opposes this bill, Connolly is confident he can take on the tobacco industry. Opting for a collaborative view as a way forward- "I will say that we're open to speaking with all stakeholders; we want to make this bill as good as possible."
If collaboration does not work, Connolly references a successful state ban on flavored tobacco he pushed for as proof he has what it takes.
Listen to the whole conversation above.
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