Council Tentatively Oks Fee on Cigarette Sellers
In an effort to reduce underage smoking, the City Council wants retailers to pay $255 for an annual license to sell cigarettes.
The council voted 4 to 1 this week to give preliminary approval to the ordinance, and a final vote is set for Sept. 2. If approved, it will become law in 30 days.
Vice Mayor Christine Mulholland voted against the ordinance, saying that the fee is too high and would punish the 46 retailers that sell tobacco legally.
Proponents said the ordinance will make business owners think twice before helping city youths light up.
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