Watch CBS News

Cigarettes To Cost $7 Per Pack In Sonoma County Starting In 2018

KCBS_740 SANTA ROSA (KCBS) -- New regulations meant to make cigarettes more expensive and difficult for minors to obtain have been approved in Sonoma County.

The changes will be phased in between now and 2018. Roughly 140 retailers outside city limits will have to purchase a tobacco retail license by July of this year. Beginning in 2018, cigarettes must sell for at least $7 a pack.

Officials say Sonoma County is the first local government in California to establish a price floor for cigarettes.

In addition, electronic cigarettes will now be classified as tobacco products. New tobacco shops won't be allowed within 1,000 feet of schools and retailers found selling to minors will have their licenses suspended, and repeat violators could lose their license all together.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.