Business Owners Protest Anti-Tobacco Legislation At City Council Hearing
(NY) Several small business owners spoke out against the latest crop of anti-tobacco legislation at a City Council health hearing Thursday.
"For this body and the mayor to assault these businesses and to drive the biggest black market in the history of the city of New York, rivaling the drug market, that is unconscionable," said David Schwartz of the New York Association of Grocery Stores.
The proposed bills would, among other things, raise the minimum age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21, prohibit retailers from accepting tobacco coupons, and require little cigars and cigarillos be sold in packs.
"It is mandates like these that force responsible, compliant small business out of business," said Chong Sik Lee of the New York Korean American Grocers Association.
Even one council member, Peter Vallone Jr., expressed hesitancy with a bill that would fine shop owners if they openly display tobacco products.
"These goals are good ones, but I'm also a business person, and these businesses are struggling," Vallone Jr. said. "A $1,000 fine for leaving a drawer open is too much."
http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/health/181453/business-owners-protest-anti-tobacco-legislation-at-city-council-hearing