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Youth Smoking Crackdown

Written by Tracy Lehr

Story Created: Feb 15, 2012 at 6:18 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 15, 2012 at 6:33 PM PDT

The Oxnard City Council voted unanimously in favor of a plan to require businesses that sell cigarettes to buy a permit to do so.

The program was pitched after underage sting operations found about a quarter of the local businesses surveyed selling cigarettes to minors.

The new permitting process would require businesses to pay $69.00 for a license to sell cigarettes, plus a $51.00 annual renewal fee.

One local retailer says he already pays for dozens of licenses each year and always asks anyone who looks younger than 35 for an ID.

Oxnard city officials say the money raised will pay for Code Enforcement.

Supporters of the plan say children usually pick up the habit before they turn 18.

If the plan wins final approval on March 6th the program will take affect April 6th.
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