To the Monterey County Board of Supervisors,

I am writing to you today, through Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes, PAVe, to implore you to protect the kids of Monterey county and end the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and all MRTP “Modified Risk” products.

Exempting “Modified Risk” tobacco products from Monterey County‘s ban creates a dangerous loophole to continue the sale of menthol tobacco in Monterey County. The US Surgeon General‘s report clearly states that there is NO safe level of nicotine or exposure to tobacco smoke. Additionally, “Modified Risk” is only a marketing authorization- it does not mean the product is without harm, or SAFE. An exemption for "modified risk" tobacco products is not included in ANY tobacco retail license ordinance in the State of California and sets a dangerous precedent for future generations and other ordinances in Monterey County and beyond.

The kids of Monterey county deserve the chance to grow up healthy and not be targets of the tobacco industry. Historically, the tobacco industry has targeted kids and communities of color. The African-American community has long been targeted with menthol cigarettes, creating generational nicotine addiction and dramatic racial health disparities.

Also, 40% of teens who vape use MENTHOL flavor. Kids take the path of least resistance and migrate to whatever flavored tobacco product is left on the market. Therefore, it is essential that Monterey County establish a rock-solid ordinance to end the sale of ALL flavored tobacco products including all flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes and not allow any loopholes.

Please protect our community!

Sincerely yours,