SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has unanimously passed an ordinance that will raise the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.
KRON-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1Hpd4pG ) the ordinance will go into effect on January 1 in the county but will not apply to incorporated cities.
Supervisor Ken Yeager introduced the ordinance during the board’s May 19 meeting and said he hopes the county’s 15 incorporated cities will pass similar legislation.
Businesses will be required to post signs through the county stating the minimum age to buy tobacco is 21 and that anyone who violates the ordinance will be fined.
A similar law is being pushed forward by California lawmakers. Last week, the state Senate passed a bill that raises the smoking age from 18 to 21. The bill is now with the Assembly.
