Tobacco Crackdown
SAN DIEGO -- San Diego County supervisors are scheduled to vote on a law aimed at preventing tobacco products from getting into the hands of minors.
The board is to vote Tuesday on an ordinance banning the sale of individual cigarettes; banning the free distribution of tobacco samples or promotional items at street fairs and public events; and preventing businesses from having smoking products in open display cases, except in bars and places where minors are not permitted, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The county ordinance also calls for tougher penalties for retailers and clerks found guilty of selling tobacco to minors. Violation of the law would be a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine up to $500 or a jail term of up to six months.
Similar state laws exist, but county officials want their own ordinance so they can exercise local control and in case the state laws are rescinded.
The board is to vote Tuesday on an ordinance banning the sale of individual cigarettes; banning the free distribution of tobacco samples or promotional items at street fairs and public events; and preventing businesses from having smoking products in open display cases, except in bars and places where minors are not permitted, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The county ordinance also calls for tougher penalties for retailers and clerks found guilty of selling tobacco to minors. Violation of the law would be a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine up to $500 or a jail term of up to six months.
Similar state laws exist, but county officials want their own ordinance so they can exercise local control and in case the state laws are rescinded.