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1998 – Proposition 10: Facing the first significant tobacco tax increase since 1959, CART sounded the alarm to the entire industry and took bold action—suing the State of California in the Superior, Appellate, and Supreme Courts—investing over $4 million in an attempt to protect retailers and their businesses.
2002 – BOE Cigar Tax Stamp Legislation: Partnering with the Honorable Claude Parrish, CART successfully defeated a proposal that would have required every cigar sold in California to carry a tax stamp, sparing retailers unnecessary costs and burdensome regulation.
2003 – AB 71, The Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act: CART collaborated with state officials to establish a fair and transparent retail tobacco licensing system, ensuring fees remained as low as possible to protect small businesses.
2008 – Federal Excise Tax (FET) Increase: CART joined forces with industry partners to successfully block a proposed $6.10-per-carton cigarette tax increase, protecting retailers and consumers from significant financial burden.
2019 – SB 39 Labeling Act: CART worked closely with state officials to prepare retailers for new tobacco product labeling requirements, providing the guidance and resources needed to remain compliant and competitive.
2020 – SB 793 Flavor Ban: CART partnered with Senator Hill’s office to shape the language of SB 793, securing provisions that protected retail tobacconists and safeguarded consumer choice as much as possible.
2022 – Proposition 31 Flavor Ban Referendum: CART united with leading tobacco manufacturers to launch the powerful “No on Prop 31” campaign and organized a statewide retailer action group to amplify opposition and protect shared interests.
2024 – AB 3218 Unflavored Tobacco List: CART worked with the bill’s authors to shape the final legislation, securing provisions that strongly support and protect the interests of retail tobacconists.
2025 – CA DOJ Implementation of the UTL: CART collaborated closely with the Department of Justice to shape the final Unflavored Tobacco List regulations, securing revisions far more favorable than the original draft. CART has also worked tirelessly to educate California retailers about the UTL and the proactive steps they can take to safeguard their businesses.
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