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Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. 2
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A BILL 5
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 10
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To establish an act to require the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) to 14
establish and enforce standards through community impact assessments for the operation 15
of 24-hour tobacco stores to address inequitable retailer density, presence and impact on 16
neighborhood sociodemographics. 17
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BE IT ENACTED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 19
act may be cited as the “Equitable Retailer Regulation of 24-Hour Tobacco Stores Act of 2024”. 20
Section 2: Definitions 21
For the purposes of this Act: 22
(1) "24-Hour Tobacco Store" refers to a retail establishment primarily engaged in the sale 23
of tobacco products and operating 24 hours a day. 24
(2) "Sociodemographics" refers to combination of social and demographic factors that 25
define individuals in a particular group or population. 26
(3) "Bright signage" refers to illuminated signs or displays that emit high levels of light, 27
potentially causing glare or visual disturbance. 28
Section 3: Regulation of 24-Hour Operations 29
(a) 24-Hour tobacco stores operating within the District shall be 30
subject to regulation by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). 31
(b) DLCP shall establish and enforce the operation of 24-hour tobacco stores, 32
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considering their equitable density, presence and impact on sociodemographic distribution across 33
wards. 34
(c) DLCP may impose restrictions or limitations on the operation and the 35
impact of bright signage of 24-hour tobacco stores to mitigate adverse effects on surrounding the 36
sociodemographics of communities. 37
Section 4: Community Engagement and Impact Assessments 38
(a) The DCLP shall engage with residents, community organizations, and 39
stakeholders to gather input and feedback on the regulation of 24-hour tobacco stores. 40
(b) Community impact assessments shall be conducted to evaluate the effects of 41
24-hour tobacco stores on neighborhood aesthetics, public health, and quality of life. 42
(c) Recommendations from community stakeholders shall be presented in the 43
community impact assessment and considered in the development and enforcement of 44
regulations governing 24-hour tobacco stores. 45
Section 5: Data Collection and Reporting 46
(a) DCLP shall collect and maintain data on the location, operation, and 47
compliance of 24-hour tobacco stores within the District of Columbia to ensure the equitable, 48
density, presence and retailer impact on the sociodemographics of the community. 49
(b) Annual reports shall be submitted to the Council of the District of Columbia 50
summarizing enforcement activities, community feedback, and outcomes related to the 51
regulation of 24-hour tobacco stores. 52
Section 6. Fiscal impact statement. 53
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The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal 55
impact statement required by section 602(c)(3) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, 56
approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(3)). 57
Section 7. Effective date. 58
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the 59
Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of Congressional review as 60
provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 61
24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813: D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)) and publication in the District of 62
Columbia Register. 63