Prince George's Burns Out Single Cigar Sales
Officials hope stopping single cigar sales will curb marijuana use among young people
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2008 | Updated 7:09 AM EDT
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(Photo by Guenter Vahlkampf/Getty Images)
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. -- The Prince George's County Council voted 8-1 Tuesday to ban the sale of single cigars.
The new law requires stores to sell cigars in packages of at least five. Supporters believe the measure will discourage young people from using hollowed-out cigars to smoke marijuana.
The Maryland Association of Tobacco and Candy Distributors is skeptical. Lobbyist Bruce Bereano said the law will give people an incentive to buy packs of cigars then sell them individually on the street.
Tobacco stores are exempt from the law. According to the Washington Post, the law targets convenience stores and gas stations that sell small flavored cigars for the youth market.
A proposed state ban on the sale of single cigars failed this year.
