South of Los Angeles, California between Manhattan Beach and Renaldo Beach sits Hermosa Beach with a population of 20,000 residents. On Tuesday, the City Council voted against a measure that would have banned vape, but more importantly set the minimum price on single cigars at $15.00.
According to The Daily Breeze, Dave Mercer of Deep Pocket Jean Co and Barber Shop which sells cigars says, “It really seems to me that this ordinance is a solution in search of a problem. A lot of our patrons enjoy sitting outside and smoking. This ordinance would prohibit that. I don’t even see kids running around smoking cigars. Smoking other things may be a problem in Hermosa Beach but I don’t see cigars as one of the problems.”
In addition to setting a minimum price on cigars at $15, all “little cigars” would be required to come in packs of 20 or more and stores that sell tobacco would have to apply for an annual permit from the city in addition to the state license.
Despite the measure failing the City Council said it would revisit the proposal again within two months.
