Des Plaines aldermen voted 6-1 this week to tentatively approve a measure barring minors from possessing tobacco inside city limits, under penalty of fines of $20 to $50 per offense.
The ordinance, which prohibits youths under 18 years old from having tobacco, also sets fines of up to $500 against merchants who sell tobacco to minors, and fines of $20 to $50 against minors who misrepresent their ages to buy tobacco.
The ordinance was approved on first reading Tuesday night. It is expected to receive final approval later this month.
Des Plaines Police Chief Robert Sturlini said that, under the ordinance, officers could confiscate tobacco from minors on the spot and contact their parents later.
“The biggest thing is to make parents aware of the problem,” Sturlini said.
City officials said they would alert school officials of the new law. Also, the police department is considering setting up peer juries and other educational programs for young offenders, Sturlini said.
Ald. Tony Arredia cast the only vote against the proposal, saying, “I don’t think we’re going to be able to enforce it.”