Beverly Hills ending most tobacco sales

In a sweeping new ban, Beverly Hills has become the first city in the United States to end most tobacco sales, The Associated Press reported.

The Beverly Hills City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the measure, which will outlaw the sales of cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.

The ban, which will go into effect in 2021, applies to all area tobacco sales at gas stations and convenience stores, as well as grocery stores and pharmacies, according to the AP.

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“Allowing tobacco products to be sold in the city increases access to these harmful and dangerous products and does not promote the city’s image as a healthy city,” the ordinance states, according to CNBC.

Three local cigar lounges and all hotels are exempt from the ban. The exception for hotels was made for tourists, who can have a concierge deliver tobacco products even though they would have to smoke them outside.

Health advocates and many local residents saw the measure as a move to make the city a healthier place for individuals and families. 

“I thought this was just truly a landmark moment for our city, for our community,” Council Member Lili Bosse said before the vote, according to CNBC. 

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets denounced the measure, claiming that tobacco sellers in the area could see their monthly income decrease between 25 percent to 45 percent, CNBC reported.