Santa Ana, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night in favor of enacting an ordinance that will end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, without exemptions. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) applauds the decision to prioritize the health of children and historically marginalized communities over Big Tobacco’s interests and bottom line.
The following is a statement from ACS CAN Southern California Government Relations Director Lynda Barbour:
"Menthol, other candy- and fruit-flavored tobacco products are a key part of the tobacco industry’s strategy to bait youth into a potential lifetime of addiction. Flavors are the main reason why kids start using tobacco products.
"Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products is an issue of social justice. Big Tobacco has a long history of using flavored products to target populations with limited incomes, communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities. Their tactics have addicted generations and have led to significant health disparities. For example, cancer, heart disease, strokes and diabetes are among the leading causes of death among Latinos, all of which can be caused by smoking. Cancer is the leading cause of death among Latinos and Asian Americans.
"We thank the Santa Ana City Council for ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products -- including menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This is a critical first step to protect kids from the dangers of tobacco and help decrease health disparities in our communities."
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.