Sonoma Ban On New Businesses Selling Tobacco Passes First Council Vote
SONOMA (CBS/AP) — Sonoma is a step closer to keeping new businesses from selling cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and certain other tobacco products under a proposed law that unanimously passed the first of two city council votes.
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports the measure would ban businesses from selling e-cigarettes, cheap cigars and most flavored tobacco, and would require them to get a $246 yearly license to remain a tobacco retailer.
Council members are expected to vote for a second time next month. Approval would put the law in effect Sept. 1.
The city began considering a tobacco ordinance last year after an American Lung Association report gaveSonoma an F on its efforts to restrict second-hand smoke.
Tobacco retailers call the measure unfair, but Councilwoman Laurie Gallian says the measure makes tobacco products less attractive and less available to kids.
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