Philadelphia City Council is trying to snuff out the city’s high rate of youth smoking.
In an attempt to help kick the habit, city council voted unanimously Thursday to more than double the fine on retailers who sell tobacco to minors. The legislation also makes it easier for the city to shut down offending stores.
Store owners who sell to minors will now be fined $250, up from $100.
Councilwoman Marian Tasco is the bill's sponsor. She says some city merchants will sell to anybody who comes through the door.
She wants to keep cigarettes out of the hands of young people and promote healthier lifestyles, Tasco said.
Last year, a federal study found Philadelphia has a higher rate of youth smoking than cities including Boston, Chicago and New York, although it falls below the national average.
Health
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow NBC10 HealthWatch on Facebook. Sign up for our health newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
