City Hits Tobacco Retailers with New Fee

Source from:  San Diego Union-Tribune By etabetasig September 10, 2007 09/11/2007

San Diego's tobacco retailers must pay a new fee to the city as part of an effort to regulate sales and combat illegal tobacco purchases by minors. The City Council voted unanimously Monday to charge $163 for the permit, adopting a method used by scores of California cities despite some opposition from retailers who decried its effect on their bottom lines. Advertisement A city staff report said the new fee would generate nearly $221,000 from San Diego's 1,363 tobacco retailers in the first year. The revenue would pay for applicant background checks and police overtime to conduct six sting operations. Fines would also be used to finance enforcement costs. City officials said they would review the permit cost annually to ensure it covers program administration and police enforcement. Enditem