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Tobacco Sellers Must Post No-Sale Signs

Official:Amending Chapter 9-4400 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Responsible Business Operations," by revising Section 9-4406, entitled "Penalties," to require businesses found in violation of state tobacco laws to post signage indicating their lack of authorization to sell tobacco under city and state law; all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember Bass

Introduced: February 27, 2025

: Committee on Legislative Oversight

business public health public safety

Plain-Language Summary

This bill would require businesses that break state tobacco laws to post signs saying they're not allowed to sell tobacco in Philly.

What This Bill Does

AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

Requires businesses found in violation of state tobacco laws to post signage indicating their lack of authorization to sell tobacco in Philadelphia.
Specifies the size and lettering requirements for the sign, which must be at least 8.5 inches by 11 inches in size, with lettering no smaller than 1 inch in height, and must be printed in both English and any other language predominantly spoken in the community.
Applies to businesses that break state tobacco laws, imposing a penalty that requires them to post the sign at each entrance and point of sale.
Imposes a penalty on businesses that violate state tobacco laws by requiring them to post the specified sign, in addition to any other penalties provided by Chapter 9-4400 of The Philadelphia Code.

Both Sides

AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

The case for

This bill protects Philadelphia residents by ensuring that unauthorized tobacco sellers are transparent about their lack of authorization, thereby preventing youth access to tobacco products. The required signage will inform customers of the business's non-compliance, allowing parents and law enforcement to monitor and address potential tobacco sales. The bill also strengthens state laws by requiring businesses to publicly acknowledge their non-compliance, which will help to prevent the proliferation of tobacco sales in Philadelphia.

The case against

This bill would impose significant new costs on businesses that already operate in violation of state tobacco laws. By requiring these businesses to post large, bilingual signs at multiple locations, the city would burden already non-compliant businesses with additional expenses, likely passed on to consumers. The bill also expands the city's regulatory reach, imposing a new penalty beyond existing state laws, without providing evidence of a demonstrated need for this enhanced enforcement.

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