A. Substantial scientific evidence supports the causal relationship between using tobacco products and deadly diseases such as lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, emphysema and other types of cancer. The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in this country.

B. The Surgeon General of the United States has declared that nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroin. Children can become addicted to these products through the use of free tobacco samples or easy purchase through tobacco vending machines and self service displays.

C. The free distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products encourages people to begin smoking, and tempts those who had quit smoking to begin smoking again. Encouraging smoking and discouraging those who are currently smoking from overcoming the habit endangers the public health by leading more people into habits that cause illness and death.

D. Free distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products promotes unsightly litter, thereby increasing the costs to the public in cleaning the streets; and also causes pedestrian traffic congestion.

E. Accordingly, the City Council finds that prohibiting the distribution of free cigarette samples or coupons and the sale of cigarettes through vending machines and self-service displays (and mandating vendor assistance to purchase tobacco products) is an important step towards combating illegal use of tobacco by minors and is essential to protect the health and welfare of the public.

F. Minors are more likely to attempt to buy or steal cigarettes and other tobacco products when these items are accessible in self-service displays. Requiring vendor-assisted sales of tobacco products and banning self-service displays will reduce tobacco sales to minors and reduce shoplifting of cigarettes. (Ord. 6588-NS § 2, 2000: Ord. 6081-NS § 1, 1991)