Beverly Hills Passes Tobacco Sales Ban, Exempts Cigar Lounges

he city of Beverly Hills took another step toward passing one of the most stringent tobacco laws in the United States, as the City Council last night passed an ordinance that bans the sale of nearly all tobacco products within city limits.

The legislation, however, exempts the city’s three cigar lounges: Buena Vista Cigar Club, the Grand Havana Room, and Nazareth’s Fine Cigars. This was an expected move, and these venues will be able to continue doing business as usual.

Hotels will also be exempted, but in a specific manner. According to the new law, hotels will be able to only sell tobacco products through room service.

All other tobacco retailers—gas stations, retail stores, pharmacies and newsstands—will need to cease selling tobacco products on January 1, 2021.

Last night’s vote, though, was not the final one. The new law will be read a second time during a June 4 City Council meeting, where it is expected to be officially passed.

Originally posted on www.cigaraficionado.com