Several Aurora residents urged the Aurora City Council during a public comment listening session to adopt a local tobacco retail licensing policy to reduce youth access to tobacco and nicotine products.

Linda Emenonu, a health-care nurse who said she has lived in Aurora for more than 25 years, told the council she has treated patients with asthma, lung cancer and other illnesses she linked to early tobacco use and said, "I urge the city council to take action and protect our youth from early addiction of tobacco." Natalia Flores, who described her brother starting to vape at age 15, said a local license would add inspections and stronger enforcement "so stores are being held to a higher standard." She told the council, "By adopting this policy, Aurora can take a meaningful step toward reducing illegal sales, protecting young people's health, and creating a community where tobacco and nicotine use aren't seen as normal."

Henry, who identified himself as a 30-year Aurora resident and small-business owner, said tobacco products are easy for students to obtain and urged the council to consider tightening oversight of sellers.

Proponents at the session framed the proposal as a public-health measure aimed at decreasing underage access and addiction. Speakers described the local license as an additional requirement layered on top of the existing state retail license that would allow for more inspections and local enforcement against retailers who sell to people under 21. No council action or formal vote was taken during the public comment listening session.

Speakers at the session asked council members to consider specific enforcement measures and more frequent inspections, but did not offer a drafted ordinance during their remarks. The suggestions given were presented as resident appeals to the council rather than formal proposals from city staff.