Self-Service Tobacco Sales Targeted
10/20/00
Two Howard County Council members plan to introduce legislation next month to ban self-service sales of tobacco products in county stores. Montgomery County is considering a similar measure.
Howard council member Christopher J. Merdon (R-Northeast County) said the proposal would help keep tobacco out of the hands of children and reduce shoplifting. He and council member Allan H. Kittleman (R-West County) are sponsoring the legislation, which could come to a vote in December.
Merdon said the Coalition for a Smoke Free Howard County asked council members to consider the ban. Merdon and Kittleman's proposal would exempt tobacco stores and vending machines--which are regulated by the state.