Sonoma, California is a city in the heart of wine country but it is about to become the center of attention in the war on tobacco. The city council has passed the first of two readings that will prevent new businesses from selling cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and other tobacco products.
It also requires that existing businesses pay for a $246 yearly license in order to remain a tobacco retailer. However, the measure would ban them from selling cheap cigars and flavored tobacco.
A second vote is expected by City Council members in the month of June and if it passes the second reading the new law would go into effect September 1st.
