By Khalida Sarwari
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing this afternoon on three new proposed ordinances that would tighten tobacco restrictions in unincorporated areas of the county.
The ordinances, introduced by Board President Ken Yeager, would require local permitting for tobacco retailers, ban smoking inside multi-unit residences, and strengthen other protections against secondhand smoke.
If passed today, the ordinances will require a second reading on Oct. 26 before they are enacted.
Today’s hearing will feature a panel of experts on youth smoking and the effects of secondhand smoke. The panel will include Dr. Lisa Henriksen of Stanford University and Dr. Suzaynn Schick of the University of California at San Francisco.
The hearing began at 1:30 p.m. in the board chambers at the County Government Center at 70 W. Hedding St., San Jose.