Corte Madera council moves forward with ban on all tobacco and nicotine sales

In a 3-2 vote, the Corte Madera Town Council advanced an ordinance that would ban the commercial sale of all tobacco and nicotine products in the affluent Marin County town. The ban, which includes traditional cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, as well as e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco devices and nicotine pouches, would take effect on February 1, 2027, after retailers are given until January 31, 2027, to sell remaining stock.

The decision followed a heated public-comment period where Redwood High School students urged officials to protect families from tobacco-related loss. Councilmember Eli Beckman, joined by Pat Ravasio and Fred Casissa, argued the ban reflects growing concerns about youth nicotine use, while residents such as David Macpherson and Peter Massick expressed opposition, calling it a slippery slope. An exemption remains for FDA-approved cessation products sold solely for therapeutic purposes. The ordinance still requires a formal adoption at a future meeting.