Pennsylvania High Court Tosses Out Tobacco Ordinance

Philadelphia's rule prohibited city businesses from selling tobacco products that could be used to smoke illegal drugs.

January 24, 2011

PHILADELPHIA ?" The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has overturned a Philadelphia ordinance that did not let city businesses sell tobacco products that could be used to inhale illegal substances, like marijuana, the Associated Press reports.

The 4-3 decision nixed the four-year-old regulation that banned businesses from offering rolling papers, blunt cigars and other products the seller thinks might be used illegally. Tobacco distributors challenged the ordinance as soon as it was passed, winning a preliminary injunction.

The city wanted to limit the sale of "loosies," individual cigars or cigarettes, and rolling papers, among other tobacco products. Mayor Michael Nutter said he was disappointed by the ruling.

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