Sellers of tobacco products in San Diego will foot the bill for police sting operations designed to detect illegal sales to minors, the San Diego Voice reported Sept. 11.

Each business that sells cigarettes and other tobacco products will pay a $153 annual fee to support the sting operations under a plan approved by the City Council. The city has long been under pressure to enforce laws against sales of tobacco products to people under age 18. Research shows that 44 percent of local retailers sell tobacco to kids.

"These people need to be held accountable for what they're doing to our neighborhoods, our children and our communities," said Councilman Brian Maienschein.

The program will cost $220,000 annually.

Retailers currently pay a $100 annual fee for a tobacco license. Dave Heylen, a spokesman for the California Grocers Association, said that only retailers who violate the law should be forced to pay for the program. "It's reaching everyone, where we feel it's appropriate if you impact those retailers who are irresponsible and are selling to minors," he said. "They should have to pay for their infractions."