Beverly Hills nears ban on most tobacco sales

The Beverly Hills City Council moved a huge step closer to banning almost all sales of tobacco in this Southern California enclave for the rich and famous.

Council members unanimously agreed late yesterday to send a proposed ordinance banning most tobacco sales back to their city staff with a request for a few minor changes, such as allowing guests in the city's luxury hotels to acquire cigarettes through their concierge or room service.

When those changes are made the council indicated it would pass the measure.

A vote was scheduled for the council's next meeting on May 21.