The Fresno City Council on Oct. 30 introduced an ordinance to codify state tobacco restrictions into the municipal code so the city can enforce flavored‑tobacco and related sales rules locally.

The ordinance, presented by City Attorney Andrew Jans, implements requirements already in state law and creates a local fine structure and enforcement mechanism so city inspectors can act without waiting for state agents. Council voted 6–1 to introduce the measure for a second reading and final adoption at a subsequent meeting.

Why it matters: State agencies have inspected only a fraction of tobacco retailers statewide. Local enforcement would let Fresno use $1.4 million in Department of Justice funding to inspect retailers citywide — not only smoke shops but convenience stores, groceries and other outlets where illegal flavored products have been found.

The ordinance does not itself create a tobacco retail license (TRL). "This ordinance allows us to enforce at the local level and begin to hit retailers outside of smoke shops," City Attorney Andrew Jans said. He described the measure as a technical step to implement the state law locally and allow the city to spend the DOJ grant on inspections and enforcement.

Supporters at the meeting included youth and public‑health advocates. "We encourage you to support the passage of a tobacco retail license policy throughout the city of Fresno," said Michael Yamamura of the Youth Advocacy Leadership League, who urged limits on the density of tobacco outlets near youth‑oriented businesses.

Opponents and some public‑health groups said the ordinance is incomplete without a TRL. Council member Nick Richardson, who cast the lone no vote on introduction, urged the city to delay and develop a more comprehensive, Fresno‑targeted licensing program that would include stronger penalties and explicit suspension authority for repeat violators. "Fines become a cost of doing business if not paired with a robust licensing and suspension mechanism," Richardson said.

What happens next: The council approved the ordinance for introduction; staff said the item will return for final adoption. Council members also will consider amending the master fee schedule to set exact fines and may later pursue a separate TRL policy if they choose.

Vote and procedure: Motion to introduce passed 6–1; mover: Council member Esparza; second: Council member Vang. The ordinance was presented as an introduction (first reading) and will return for adoption at a later meeting.