Snuffing Tobacco Ads

Joining a nationwide trend, San Francisco passed a tough ordinance that would outlaw tobacco advertising in most of the city. The Board of Supervisors on Monday unanimously banned tobacco ads on billboards, bus shelters, sandwich boards, banners, signs and posters that are visible from residential streets. Violators could be fined up to $100. The ordinance, which still needs Mayor Willie Brown’s approval, permits tobacco advertising on vehicles and on billboards facing highways. Stores can run advertising inside as long as it can’t be seen from outside.