Varginia officials considering tightening tobacco regulation

Virginia officials are considering tightening regulation of tobacco retailers as a new approach to combatting illegal cigarette trafficking.The Virginia State Crime Commission staff has recommended requiring stores to obtain a state license to sell cigarettes and turning enforcement over to the agency that oversees the state’s liquor monopoly. A staff report says the Alcoholic Beverage Control Department already has extensive experience licensing stores that sell beer and wine, as well as enforcing state liquor laws.