The following Letter to the Editor was submitted by Amber Zulawski, owner of Quik Stop Market in response to recent Brentwood City Council actions regarding its Tobacco Ordinance.
My name is Amber Zulawski. Along with my husband, Tim, we are the proud new owners of Quik Stop Market on Walnut Blvd. In Brentwood. I’ve worked at this location since 1997, and in August 2024, we invested our life savings—and a significant loan—to purchase the business. Quik Stop Market has been a fixture in the Brentwood community since 1988, and today, it is our sole source of income. We are fully committed to its success and to serving Brentwood with integrity.
As a mother of two children who currently attend, and a former student of, Brentwood Elementary, Bristow Middle School, and Liberty High School, I’m deeply rooted in this community. Quik Stop has proudly supported our schools through sponsorships, donations, and student promotions. We’re committed to being a positive presence in Brentwood.
We have invited CourAGE members to host an educational outreach event at our store to help share with youth the dangers of tobacco use. We share their goal of keeping tobacco out of the hands of youth. I talk regularly to my own children, ages 8 and 11, about the harms of tobacco. I grew up in a household where smoking was common—but I chose a different path. I believe education and community values can break that cycle.
Review of the May 13th, 2025 City Council meeting, regarding the purposed Tobacco Retail License (TRL), brought concerns to my attention.
- Distance Calculation (Section 5.76.060 A):
The current method of calculating distance from property line (parcel) to property line (parcel) may place an undue burden on business located in shared shopping centers, like Quik Stop. I have requested through letters, that the Council consider revise this to a door-to-door measurement, which would more accurately reflect the physical proximity of the business to a youth-oriented location.
- Definition of Youth-Oriented Establishments (Section 5.76.030, Letter C):
The definition includes a youth center, defined as a facility where children, ages up to 17, come together for programs and activities. I asked for further clarification on whether this applies to church youth groups, dance studios, martial arts centers, and after-school programs. The broadness of this definition leaves room for inconsistent enforcement over time, which could unfairly impact small businesses like mine. Clear guidelines offer both transparency and fairness.
- Grandfathering Clause:
I urged the Council to consider a grandfather clause allowing existing retailers—even those within 250 feet of a youth-oriented site—to apply for and receive a TRL. Many of us made long-term business decisions without knowing new restrictions were coming. Also, it was stated that once a retailer had their TRL and a youth-oriented business established within the 250 feet of the Tobacco retailer that the TRL would still be valid and that retailer would still be able to sell tobacco products. How is this fair to existing tobacco retailers that fall within the 250 feet of a youth-oriented site that will be forced to lose the ability to sell tobacco products?
I urge the public to stand up for fairness and speak to the city council to grandfather in ALL existing tobacco businesses.
Sincerely,
Amber Zulawski
Owner, Quik Stop Market
3940A Walnut Blvd, Brentwood
Previous
- May 14 – After Pushback, Brentwood Agrees to Tweak Tobacco Ordinance
- May 12, 2025 – Brentwood Set to Finalize New Tobacco Sales Ordinance
- Sept. 25, 2024 – Brentwood Inches Closer to Stricter Tobacco Ordinance
- May 6, 2024 – Brentwood Goes to War Against Tobacco With New Regulations
- July 11, 2023 – Concord City Council Updates Tobacco Retailer Ordinance
