It is getting a lot harder to be a cigarette smoker, and seller, in Monterey.
Smoking is banned on the Recreation Trail, city beaches, public parking lots and even Fisherman's Wharf. Also, good luck finding an ashtray downtown.
The City Council took it a step further last week by passing a new law to requiring the city's roughly 50 retailers who sell tobacco apply for a $236 yearly permit. The county, which already requires unincorporated areas to get a county permit, would distribute the license on Monterey's behalf.
Permit requirements likely not be needed until mid-summer after the city works out logistics with the county.
The permit may be revoked if a retailer is found to have sold to minors. Fines will range from $1,000 for the first violation to $5,000 for the second violation and suspension of tobacco selling privileges.
Dale Hillard of Monterey County Collaborates has been working hard to get local cities to pass similar permit rules.
Hillard talks about why he thinks the new law is important here:
