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PermalinkMonday, July 17, 2006
A San Diego City Council committee has recommended the full Council consider a proposal that would require retailers to have a license to sell tobacco. Supporters say such a law is needed to cut down on illegal sales to minors. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
The proposal would require all tobacco retailers in San Diego to pay $100 a year for a special police permit. Supporters say the money would go for increased enforcement to make sure merchants don't sell cigarettes to minors.
Dr. Cleo Malone directs The Palavra Tree, a social service agency in Southeast San Diego. He says too many retailers are breaking the law.
Malone: In the last week we went to 27 merchants with one of our youth, and 21 of them sold tobacco products to a 16-year-old.
But merchants complain it's not fair to punish all retailers for the mistakes of a few.
A number of California cities require stores to have tobacco licenses, including El Cajon and Vista. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
The proposal would require all tobacco retailers in San Diego to pay $100 a year for a special police permit. Supporters say the money would go for increased enforcement to make sure merchants don't sell cigarettes to minors.
Dr. Cleo Malone directs The Palavra Tree, a social service agency in Southeast San Diego. He says too many retailers are breaking the law.
Malone: In the last week we went to 27 merchants with one of our youth, and 21 of them sold tobacco products to a 16-year-old.
But merchants complain it's not fair to punish all retailers for the mistakes of a few.
A number of California cities require stores to have tobacco licenses, including El Cajon and Vista. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
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