a. LEGISLATIVE GROUPING - CAL. NO. 35,093 - BY: COUNCILMEMBERS THOMAS, GIARRUSSO, GREEN, KING AND HARRIS (BY REQUEST) Brief: An Ordinance ordaining Chapter 82, Article XV, Sections 82-718 - 82-723 of the Code of the City of New Orleans to restrict the sale of flavored alternative nicotine products, specifically vapes and pouches, to tobacco-specific businesses; and otherwise to provide with respect thereto. Annotation: (This matter was introduced 4/10/25). WITHDRAWN.

This ordinance, CAL. NO. 35,093, proposed restricting the sale of flavored alternative nicotine products, such as vapes and pouches, exclusively to tobacco-specific businesses. The intent was to reduce youth access to these addictive products, as studies indicate a high percentage of young users prefer flavored items. The proposed legislation would amend Chapter 82 of the City Code by adding Article XV, defining terms like 'Tobacco-Nicotine Specific Business' and 'Alternative Nicotine Product.' Enforcement would be shared by the Health Department, Department of Safety and Permits, and Police Department, with penalties outlined in Section 1-13 of the City Code. The ordinance was introduced on April 10, 2025, and was scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2025. However, this item was ultimately WITHDRAWN.

This ordinance, though withdrawn, aimed to restrict access to flavored vapes and pouches for young people by limiting their sale to specialized tobacco shops, potentially reducing youth addiction rates.

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