Tobacco sales fee gets tentative OK
The county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday tentatively approved a $235 annual fee on stores that sell tobacco as part of an effort to prevent minors from smoking.
The supervisors’ 3-2 vote would permit the county health department to levy the fee for a tobacco sales permit on about 1,000 stores in unincorporated areas. The nearly $235,000 generated yearly would fund aggressive anti-smoking campaigns geared toward those under age 18. It also would pay for sting operations in about 200 stores a year.
The issue will return for a final vote next week. If it is approved a second time, as expected, it would take effect about 30 days later.
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