A local land use ordinance can be used not only to regulate the location and density of tobacco retailers in a community, but also to impose requirements on how tobacco retailers operate through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process. A land use ordinance provides meaningful penalties if a retailer violates conditions of its CUP or any laws related to tobacco sales. Ultimately, a CUP can be revoked, depriving the retailer of the right to sell tobacco products altogether.

This checklist includes a five phase model for working through the policy options when designing a local land use ordinance and making it part of a larger strategic comapaign. It also includes a checklist of policy choices to consider when designing such an ordinance.

You can also download TALC's Model Ordinance: Regulating the Location and Operations of Tobacco Retailers.