DuPage County’s new anti-tobacco ordinance was written to discourage underage smokers, but even its proponents concede that plastering large warning signs on cigarette vending machines was not their intent.
With the ordinance scheduled to become effective next month, a County Board committee recommended Monday that it be revised slightly to eliminate a provision requiring warning signs with inch-tall letters in stores and on vending machines.
County Clerk Gary King noted to members of the board’s Public Safety Committee that putting the warning against possession by or sale of tobacco products to those younger than 18 in inch-tall letters would require a sign of about 1 1/2 feet by more than 2 feet.
The ordinance, approved in January, extends to unincorporated areas the licensing requirements adopted by most DuPage cities and villages.