How could the comparison of vape density to Las Vegas affect Jonathan Smith?
Jonathan Smith's county health department faces increased pressure to strengthen tobacco licensing rules. The comparison of Lawrence's high vape density to Las Vegas prompted city commissioners to seek ways to strengthen the city's tobacco licensing ordinance. As the executive director of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health (LDCPH), Jonathan Smith is responsible for enforcing the current 2023 ordinance, which LDCPH described as needing 'holes plugged.' The commission is now actively considering policy suggestions, such as limiting where new retailers can locate or raising license fees, which would significantly increase the operational scope and enforcement requirements for LDCPH.
- Effect
- Strong negative
- How direct
- Stated in the reporting
- When
- Within weeks
- The story
- Gone quiet
How it reaches Jonathan Smith
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Lawrence city leaders are considering strengthening tobacco licensing rules to limit where businesses can locate and crack down on sales to minors. During a meeting, Mike Courtney noted that Lawrence has a higher density of tobacco retailers per person than Las Vegas. The commissioners agreed that the city should move forward with these changes, potentially starting with a temporary moratorium on new licenses.
The full event1independent outlet -
Mike Courtney's comparison of Lawrence's vape density to Las Vegas led city leaders to agree that they wanted to toughen the tobacco licensing ordinance 'sooner than later.' Jonathan Smith, as executive director of LDCPH, must now lead the effort to amend the existing ordinance and address the high noncompliance rates, which have been between 15% and 18% each year.
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- ljworld.com Oct 7
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Everything about Jonathan Smith
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Lawrence has 89 licensed tobacco retailers, with eight within 0.5 miles of New York Elementary School alone.ljworld.com
- Noncompliance rates for tobacco retailers have been between 15% and 18% each year.ljworld.com
- ZIP code 66046 has the greatest density of tobacco retailers, with one for every 663 people.ljworld.com
- Jonathan Smith noted that all you need is $260 and a location to open a vape shop in Lawrence.ljworld.com
Why it matters
The stakes are high regarding public health, as health leaders noted that many patients diagnosed with lung cancer started smoking between ages 11 and 18. The high density of retailers, which concentrate in 'low-income and minoritized areas of the community,' raises concerns about youth access and addiction patterns.
LDCPH is currently tasked with enforcing a 2023 ordinance, but the commission is exploring substantive changes, such as limiting new retailers within a mile of existing stores or within 200 feet of a school, similar to practices in Shawnee. These policy shifts would require LDCPH to dramatically expand its regulatory and enforcement capabilities.
What we don't know yet
- Will the city commission opt for a temporary moratorium on new licenses or rapidly implement substantive changes to the ordinance?
- What specific policy suggestions, such as raising fees, will the city legal staff bring back for consideration?
What would change this answer
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- ljworld.comOct 7
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