Los Angeles, California - Merchants in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County would be required to buy a $235 annual permit to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products, under a proposal the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to act on today. Backers say the proposal would strengthen efforts to keep minors from smoking, which county health officials say is a ballooning problem. Critics say it would hurt law-abiding mom-and-pop retailers already hurt by high taxes. Officials estimate the fee would affect roughly 1,000 merchants and raise about $235,000 a year. The money would pay for sting operations in about 200 stores a year and fund antismoking campaigns aimed at those under 18. At least three of the five supervisors have said they support the measure. Full Story
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