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more than one-half million dollar investment in our Lakewood business, we were told that Lakewood <br />would not be changing its local tobacco regulations unless the State of Ohio did so. I know the <br />Governor has proposed a statewide Tobacco 21 initiative, but it is not yet Ohio law. But we will <br />comply. <br />Finally, if you want to make the Lakewood ordinance unique, keep its focus on the retailers <br />and others who make the underage use their livelihood, and abide by the good faith directions of <br />prior administrations when Robusto & Briar made its investment in what has become an attractive <br />regional destination and significant economic retail site for Lakewood, you could still consider any <br />one of three changes to the proposed legislation: <br />I. Amend 1727.01 to include a definition "W" for "Premium Tobacco Specialty store" means any <br />retail establishment in which more than eighty-five- percent (85%) of the establishment's annual <br />sales involve cigars, pipes, and related premium products for which the average retail price <br />exceeds nine dollars per item. And then make an exception insert in 1727.02 at the end: except that <br />premium tobacco specialty stores shall abide by current State of Ohio law as to age restrictions. <br />11. Amend 1727.01 with the above suggested definition and then make an exception insert in the <br />Signage section, 17207.07 (a) at the end: "Premium tobacco specialty stores shall comply with the <br />federal and state regulations concerning signage." <br />111. Amend 1727.01 with the above suggested definition and then make an insert about policy <br />preference in 1727.08 (a) at the end: The policy of the City is to direct enforcement with the priority <br />on volume and frequency of underage sales, with care to not unduly burden premium specialty <br />tobacco stores, which obviously are almost exclusively making tobacco products sales and for <br />whom the volume and frequency of underage sales have been shown to be minimal. <br />In any event, be sure of Robusto & Briar's commitment to follow the law, however it may <br />finally be enacted, and our great appreciation for the City of Lakewood and our customers. Thank <br />you for your consideration. <br />