Ordinance 2312-98 - Laserfiche WebLink

" 111 I I I I I I 1/4 I imr. ORDINANCE NO. 2312-98 AN ORDINANCE relating to making minor possession of tobacco a civil infraction, amending section 2 of Ordinance 2003-94 (EMC 9.81.020), and adding a new section to EMC Chapter 9.81. WHEREAS, the City of Everett City Council finds that the protection of adolescents' health requires a strong set of comprehensive health and law enforcement interventions; and WHEREAS, City ordinances and State law already prohibit the purchase of tobacco products by persons under the age of eighteen; and WHEREAS, the 1998 Washington State Legislature changed State law to prohibit possession of tobacco products by persons under the age of eighteen; and WHEREAS, the City of Everett City Council deems it appropriate for the City Code to be consistent with State law in this area, so that youth hear consistent messages from public entities, including law enforcement, about public opposition to their illegal use of tobacco products; and WHEREAS, the City of Everett City Council deems it appropriate that persons under the age of eighteen suspected of violating this ordinance be required to identify themselves to the investigating law enforcement officer. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: Section 1: Section 2 of Ordinance 2003-94 (EMC 9.81.020),which reads as follows: Purchasing or obtaining tobacco by minor. A person under the age of eighteen who purchases or attempts to purchase or obtains or attempts to obtain cigarettes or tobacco products commits a civil infraction and is subject to a fine of fifty dollars, not including any statutory assessments, or participation in a smoking cessation program, or both. This provision does not apply if a person under the age of eighteen, with parental authorization, is participating in a controlled purchase as part of a liquor control board, law enforcement, or local health department activity.