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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The Latest on Beverly Hills considering ban on most tobacco sales (all times local):
11 p.m.
The Beverly Hills City Council moved a huge step closer to banning almost all sales of tobacco in this Southern California enclave for the rich and famous.
Council members unanimously agreed late Tuesday to send a proposed ordinance banning most tobacco sales back to their city staff with a request for a few minor changes, such as allowing guests in the city's luxury hotels to acquire cigarettes through their concierge or room service.
When those changes are made the council indicated it would pass the measure.
A vote was scheduled for the council's next meeting on May 21.
11:50 a.m.
Beverly Hills is considering outlawing the sale of tobacco products, a move that would make the glamorous California city the first in the nation to enact such a ban.
A draft ordinance going before the Beverly Hills City Council on Tuesday evening would exempt only three existing high-end cigar lounges.
A report prepared for the council cites the city's advocacy of healthy living and outlines the extensive adverse effects of tobacco use.
In addition to the cigar lounges, there are 25 active city permits for sales of tobacco and electronic cigarettes in grocery stores, gas stations, hotels, convenience stores and pharmacies.
The report says there have been discussions on having small-business experts assist retailers in dealing with possible impacts on revenues.
It found no data to determine an impact on tourism.
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