Big Fines For Tobacco Stores Who Sell To Minors

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Kern County Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday to enforce stricter laws on businesses that sell tobacco to minors.

The idea is to give the current law more teeth as an incentive to stop retailers from selling to minors.

The penalties will increase based on how many violations the store has had in the past.

The first offense will be $250, the second offense $500 and the third will be $1,000 within a five year period.

Although it is illegal to sell tobacco products to minors, a recent survey of 114 Kern County tobacco stores showed that teens still managed to buy tobacco products From various retailers.

Local officials believe that state laws are not tough enough.

The Board of Supervisors asked environmental health officials a year ago to play more of a role in protecting Kern County children from the hazards of smoking.

In the U.S., 3,000 to 4,000 teenagers become regular smokers each day and 60 percent of them become addicted to tobacco by the age of 14.

In addition to the amended law, the county now has the right to revoke or suspend a business's tobacco permit if they continue to sell to minors.