The first filtered cigarette sales ban to go into effect in the world will be enforced in Santa Cruz County and two of its cities beginning in 2027, county officials announced.

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted in October 2024 to adopt the ban starting Jan. 1, 2027, on the condition that at least two other local governments pass similar measures. That requirement was met this year when the city of Santa Cruz approved a ban on June 24, followed by the city of Capitola on Sept. 11.

The ordinances will take effect in unincorporated areas and the cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola. Enforcement of the sales ban will begin Jan. 1, 2027, in the county and the City of Santa Cruz. Capitola will begin enforcement on July 1, 2027.

Cigarette butts are the single most common form of li

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