Beverly Hills Could Be First City To Ban Tobacco Sales

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Beverly Hills City Council scheduled a formal vote for May 21 on a proposed ordinance that would ban selling tobacco products in Beverly Hills with two exceptions.

The City Council voted 5-0 on Tuesday to support a draft ordinance following public input and recommendations from the Health and Safety Commission.

"This reflects the values of our community," Mayor John Mirisch said. "We are a city that has taken the lead on restricting smoking and promoting public health. Somebody has to be first, so let it be us."

Cigar lounges would be exempt. Hotels would be allowed to sell tobacco products to guests only through concierge services.

If the proposal is approved as expected on May 21, a second reading and final vote is expected on June 4. If it receives final approval, all other tobacco retailers — including gas stations, convenience stores, pharmacies and newsstands — would be banned from selling tobacco products beginning on Jan. 1, 2021.

The proposal calls for the City Council to revisit the ordinance in three years from the effective date.

City News Service contributed to this post