Item 20 - First Reading of Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Nitrous Oxide

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nitrous oxide, a device to dispense or administer nitrous oxide, or any device that contains any quantity of nitrous oxide. Sec. 10-903 - Exceptions to Prohibition. This article does not apply to the sale, attempt to sell, distribution, or other manner of providing nitrous oxide, or a device containing nitrous oxide, in the following exempt circumstances: (a) If the nitrous oxide is contained in a food product for use as a propellant. (b) If the nitrous oxide or device is being sold, attempted to be sold, offered, or distributed in a wholesale capacity, for uses similar to those described in subsection (d) of section 10-901. This exemption only applies if the wholesaler does not know or have reason to know that the recipient intends to use the nitrous oxide or device in violation of section 10-902. (c) If the nitrous oxide or device that is being sold, attempted to be sold, offered, or distributed is specifically designed for use in a vehicle to enhance the performance of the vehicle. (d) If the nitrous oxide is being sold, attempted to be sold, offered, or distributed specifically for the purpose of providing medical or dental care, by or at the direction and under the supervision of, a medical or dental practitioner licensed by the State of California and in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations. (e) If the nitrous oxide or device is being sold, attempted to be sold, offered, distributed, or dispensed by a pharmacist, pharmacist intern, or pharmacy as defined by California Business & Professions Code§§ 4030, 4036, and 4037, as may be amended, in the course of their duties as a pharmacist or pharmacist intern, or wholesalers licensed by the Board of Pharmacy. (f) Or any other circumstances explicitly exempted under law. Any sales or distributions of Nitrous Oxide contemplated under this section shall comply with all documentation requirements set forth in California Penal Code §381 e. Sec. 10-904 - Violations and Penalties. Every violation of the provisions of this article may be charged as either a misdemeanor or as an infraction in the discretion of the citing officer or city attorney and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable as provided for in Section 1-8 of this Code. Each day any violation of any said provision of this chapter shall continue shall constitute a separate offense. Alternatively, violations may be addressed through the use of an administrative citation as set forth in Sections 1-21.1 through 1-21.9. Use of criminal enforcement and/or administrative citations shall not prevent or preclude the City from seeking injunctive relief Ordinance No. NS-XXX Page 3 of 5