Tobacco Endgame

What is Tobacco Endgame?

Tobacco Endgame is a public health strategy that aims to dramatically reduce tobacco sales and eliminate its devastating impact on communities. Unlike traditional tobacco control efforts that focus on reducing harm, Endgame policies seek to fundamentally change the social, economic, and regulatory landscape to phase out commercial tobacco sales and nicotine addiction over time. By implementing policies such as capping or phasing out tobacco retail licenses, increasing the minimum legal sales age, and/or restricting nicotine content, local governments can accelerate the decline of tobacco use and protect future generations from addiction.

Policymakers can play a critical role in advancing Tobacco Endgame by enacting bold policies that challenge the status quo. Evidence shows that comprehensive approaches, including strong regulations, community engagement, and public health campaigns, can significantly reduce smoking rates and prevent youth initiation. By prioritizing health equity and addressing disparities in tobacco use, Endgame policies can ensure that all communities—especially those historically targeted by the tobacco industry—benefit from a nicotine-free future. Now is the time to take action and end the tobacco epidemic once and for all.

The Youth Advocacy Committee’s Vision:

Our long-term vision is for Marin County to become a leader in creating a healthier California by ending the sale of commercial tobacco countywide. This will require each jurisdiction in Marin to pass policies that phase out tobacco sales, following the examples of Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach—two California cities that have already ended the sale of commercial tobacco. We envision a community where youth development is prioritized, and addiction to harmful substances is neither encouraged nor normalized. Our goal is to replace tobacco sales with health-promoting, youth-friendly products in retail spaces. Achieving this vision will involve implementing comprehensive Endgame policies in each jurisdiction, supported by strong quit programs for current tobacco users.

YAC’s Plan of Action:

  1. Educate the Marin community about Tobacco Endgame

  2. Build broad support for Tobacco Endgame in Marin

  3. Advocate for Tobacco Endgame policies with elected officials

  4. Collaborate with tobacco retailers to implement policies