Multnomah County has one of the highest rates of illegal cigarette sales to minors in the United States. The Board of County Commissioners is considering a Tobacco Retail Licensing system to help local businesses comply with local, state and federal laws.
On Thursday, Sept. 24, the Board will be briefed on the licensing programs used by local governments across the country. Multnomah county staff will present information to the Board at this event. Translation services will be available in Spanish, Korean, Somali and Mandarin.
There will be no public testimony at this briefing. The Board is planning public hearings in October in Portland and East County and will gather public input in person at that time and online beginning Sept. 24.
Board voted to return to issue after 2015 legislative session
On Feb. 12, 2014, the Board of Commissioners, acting as the Board of Health, stated its intention to consider regulations for retailers should the Oregon Legislature not pass any licensure actions. The 2015 Legislature did not pass any licensing legislation.
Under licensing to be discussed, all retailers of tobacco and nicotine products would pay an annual fee in order to sell these. The fee would support the education and inspection of retailers to ensure compliance with the law.
You can watch the briefing at 9:45 a.m. at the Multnomah Building, 501 S.E. Hawthorne, in Portland or online at multco.us.