Healdsburg first to ban tobacco sales to anyone younger than 21

The Wine Country city of Healdsburg, known for enticing tourists with its bounty of fresh food and drink, now has another distinction: It’s the first place in California to ban tobacco sales to anyone younger than 21.

The City Council voted Monday night, 4-1, to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes, chew and other tobacco products from 18, putting it at the same threshold for purchasing booze.

The restriction, which needs a second council vote before taking effect, seeks to bolster the fit and fertile character of the Sonoma County destination.

“We are a community that prides itself on a healthier lifestyle in general,” said Healdsburg City Manager Marjie Pettus. “There’s a real focus on healthy eating here, with farm-to-table initiatives … and this (new tobacco ordinance) ties into that whole lifestyle that people really subscribe to.”


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