Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Scott Gilman, Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Subject: Ordinance to Add Chapter 4.120 to Title 4 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code to Restrict the Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis to Youth
RECOMMENDATION:
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Introduction of an ordinance adding Chapter 4.120 to Title 4 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code to restrict the advertising of alcoholic beverages and cannabis to youth, and waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
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BACKGROUND:
Youth surveys have consistently shown alcohol and cannabis to be the most widely used drugs at all adolescent age levels. The 2017-18 California Healthy Kids Survey showed that 18.6% of 11th graders in San Mateo County were current users of alcohol and that 17% were cannabis users. A significant portion of those who use alcohol and cannabis initiated use by age 12.
Use of alcohol and other drugs have significant impacts on youth academic outcomes. Of the 4,841 student suspensions in San Mateo County during the 2017-18 academic calendar, 941 were related to illicit drugs. Of the 27 expulsions in the County, 14 were related to illicit drugs. A student's absence in school could result in lower grades, compromised ability to pursue advanced education and training, less employment opportunities, and ultimately affect access to health care and health promoting services.
Alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use also impact healthcare costs. The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) reports that alcohol-related emergency room (ER) visits make up 76% of alcohol or other drug (AOD) ER visits. This means alcohol-related emergency room visits make up the vast majority of ER visits when compared to other substances. Between 2008 and 2014, OSHPD reported an upward trend in the rate of AOD-relate...
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