SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On June 28, legislation to outlaw tobacco sales in convenience stores and other retail outlets was declared dead without a vote by the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee. The measure did not even receive a motion to support, although it did pass the state Senate earlier this month.

State Senator Bob Wieckowski authored the bill (SB 1400), which would have made c-stores and grocery stores ineligible to sell tobacco products by changing the definition of a retail location that’s able to obtain a license to sell tobacco. The bill would have changed the definition of an eligible retail location to businesses that generate 60% or more of gross revenue annually from tobacco-related products.

The Sacramento Bee reports that opponents of the bill, including more than 200 convenience store owners, showed up in force at the Assembly Business and Professions Committee hearing this week to voice their concerns about the negative impact SB 1400 would have on their livelihoods.

According to a committee analysis, more than 30,000 retailers, including convenience stores and grocery stores, would lose the ability to sell tobacco. While they appreciated Wieckowski’s intent, committee members said his bill went too far and would harm small businesses.