http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3019-0549Ralph A Welwean1,
David A Stupplebeen2,
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0596-3300Tam D Vuong2,3,
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4126-6564Elizabeth Andersen-Rodgers2,
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0000-6571Xueying Zhang2
1Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
3UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
The California Department of Public Health operates a comprehensive tobacco control programme that supports local communities’ efforts to pass policies limiting access to tobacco products.1 While tremendous strides were made to reduce smoking, tobacco use continues to persist due to the tobacco industry’s ever-evolving array of tobacco products and targeted marketing of such products to different demographics.2–5 In 2021, California ushered in a new public health era, shifting from a tobacco control strategy to preparing for an end to sales of all commercial tobacco products. The cities of Manhattan Beach and Beverly Hills, California accelerated this shift, implementing the first policies nationwide that banned sales of nearly all commercial tobacco products effective 1 January 2021.6 Both cities granted temporary exemptions to some retailers …