In this episode of Beyond The Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Ashley Boston, Risk & Compliance Manager at Strauch Companies—owner of 12 gas stations and convenience stores across Northern California. Ashley breaks down what went down at the Brentwood City Council meeting, where a harsh tobacco retail license ordinance blindsided local business owners.

From the flawed logic behind license caps and youth-oriented zoning to the serious financial impact on immigrant-owned businesses, Ashley brings a real-world perspective on how these local policies ripple across communities. We also discuss the Santa Cruz filtered tobacco ban (posing as a litter solution), and how statewide trends like this are threatening California’s convenience industry.

Ashley shares how Strauch Co. revamped its ID compliance program, built community coalitions, and is leaning on groups like CFCA to stay ahead of regulatory chaos.

If you're in the fuels or c-store space, this is a must-listen episode.

Subscribe to Beyond The Pump on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows—and stay informed on the issues that impact California’s fuels and convenience store industry.

Want to protect your business? Learn more about the advocacy, updates, and tools offered by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance at CFCA.Energy.

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