COUNTY EYES TOBACCO SALES PERMITS

REDWOOD CITY-In an attempt to curb teen smoking, the San Mateo County Board
of Supervisors is moving to require new permits for retailers who sell
tobacco products.

Once in place, the permits could be suspended or revoked if a merchant is
found to have sold tobacco to a minor.

The supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday setting up the
new permit system. A second vote is required, and the program would not
begin until June 1.

Board President Tom Huening said recent studies ~have shown that 30 percent
of high school juniors smoke, and many begin at an early age.

Most retailers aren't selling cigarettes to minors, Huening said, but some
are consistent offenders. While there are now laws in place that make such
[ales illegal, enforcement doesn't carry a high priority.

"We need a different approach," Huening said.

Karen Licavoli of the American Lung Association said the "landmark"
ordinance will be effective because it will hurt offenders financially.
Once a permit is revoked, merchants won't be able to sell tobacco to anyone.

"We have to make it not worth their while," she said. "This sends a strong
message that San Mateo County has zero tolerance for selling cigarettes to
minors."

Phelicia Jones, coordinator of the American Lung Association's Tobacco Free
San Mateo County program, says the situation has been improving in recent
years based on random buying surveys involving volunteer teen-agers.

In East Palo Alto several years ago, teen-agers were able to buy cigarettes
in more than 90 percent of the stores they entered, she said. That figure
dropped to 33 percent last year, still a significant number.

The ordinance,would apply only in unincorporated areas. San Mateo
Councilman Jerry Hill said he has n:ked his city to pass a similar measure.
and it is also expected to be taken up by several other cities.

The County Health Services Agency would be responsible for enforcement. The
cost of the permit has not been established.

Two store owners who would be affected by the measure weren't pleased with
the idea.

"I think it's ridiculous," said Linda Tichenor of El Granada Beverage Co.
"I don't think it's fair because it will punish small businesses that are
already struggling and it won't stop kids from smoking."

Teen-agers are going to find someone to buy cigarettes for them, she said.

"We're doing our best not to sell to minors, and now they want money, too,"
she said.

"We are already licensed and pay taxes," said Mercy Aloor of North Fair
Oaks Liquors in Menlo Park. "I don't think we need another one."

On another tobacco measure Tuesday, the supervisors gave initial approval
to an ordinance that makes the Health Services Agency responsible for
citing bars and restaurants that allow customers to smoke in violation of a
new state law.

The supervisors said that makes more sense than |using sheriffs deputies
for the task.