L.A. County Looks to New Fee To Fund Antismoking Efforts
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors tentatively approved a proposal that would require stores in unincorporated areas to purchase a $235 annual permit to sell tobacco products to help fund an effort to reduce smoking among minors, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The proposal would affect about 1,000 businesses and generate an estimated $235,000 in annual revenue. The funds would be used to pay for sting operations and anti-smoking campaigns targeting individuals younger than 18 (Renaud [1], Los Angeles Times, 12/11).
Health officials say the number of stores in unincorporated areas of the county that are estimated to sell tobacco to minors is three times higher than the 10% statewide average (Renaud [2], Los Angeles Times, 12/11).
The two supervisors opposing the fee said it would hurt small businesses, while supporters maintained that the financial burden of the fee would be minimal.
County supervisors will hold a final vote on the proposal next week. Supervisors are expected to approve the proposal, and the law would take effect about 30 days later, according to the Times (Renaud [1], Los Angeles Times, 12/11).