Portland Easiest Place in U.S. for Teens to Buy Cigarettes

Portland used to be one of America's top cities for bicycles. It's still a great city to find a job. It's one of the hottest housing markets. It's frequently listed as one of the most beautiful cities in America. And apparently it's also the No. 1 place in America for underage tobacco purchases!

A recent study revealed HUNDREDS of small neighborhood markets GETTING CAUGHT selling cigarettes to minors. Keep in mind that's only the places that were caught in sting operations!

The stings only issue warnings and maybe fine the store clerk $500. The businesses don't get punished, which likely explains the prevalence of the crime.

Experts believe Portland and Multnomah County are No. 1 because Oregon doesn't require a license to sell tobacco. When a business is scared of losing its license to sell alcohol, it takes warnings more seriously. A bill was introduced to license tobacco sales, but lobbying form the neighborhood market association helped defeat it.