KINGSTON, N.Y. -- A new law in Ulster County is designed to keep tobacco away from schools and children.
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein signed the law on Thursday.
It requires all tobacco retailers to possess both a state and local license to sell tobacco. It also prevents new retailers from selling tobacco products within 1,000 feet of a public or private school.
County leaders say the goal of the legislation is to prevent children from being exposed to tobacco advertising, which could lead to smoking.
"Large tobacco companies spend over $2 million a day marketing trying to identify new smokers. And in that process it's about replacing smoking who unfortunately perish. It's a reality. And what this law is designed to do, in its basic level, is to protect our children," Hein said.
Those who are found violating the law or selling tobacco to minors could face fines and have their retail license revoked.