The first filtered cigarette sales ban to go into effect in the world will be enforced in Santa Cruz County and two of its cities beginning in 2027, county officials announced.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted in October 2024 to adopt the ban starting Jan. 1, 2027, on the condition that at least two other local governments pass similar measures. That requirement was met this year when the city of Santa Cruz approved a ban on June 24, followed by the city of Capitola on Sept. 11.
The ordinances will take effect in unincorporated areas and the cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola. Enforcement of the sales ban will begin Jan. 1, 2027, in the county and the city of Santa Cruz. Capitola will begin enforcement on July 1, 2027.
Cigarette butts are the single most common form of litter on Earth, with the World Health Organization estimating 4.5 trillion discarded annually, and county officials said filters have no proven health benefit to smokers.
County officials explained the new policies are intended to reduce tobacco filter pollution, lower cleanup costs, and support businesses that depend on a clean environment. To help with implementation, county officials will provide outreach materials for retailers and community members, assist with product transitions, and support enforcement.
According to county officials, previous bans on single-use plastics and Styrofoam showed no lasting negative economic impacts.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.