Meriden To Raise Age For Vape, Tobacco Purchases

MERIDEN, CT - A resolution passed by the City Council's Human Services Committee raises the minimum age to buy tobacco and vape products from 18 to 21, according to The Meriden Record-Journal. The measure still needs to be approved by the City Council go into effect.

Several towns and cities around the state have passed similar laws. South Windsor is one example, which has instituted fines for stores that fail to abide by guidelines.

Use of electronic cigarettes has skyrocketed in recent years with the Food and Drug Administration commissioner calling it an "epidemic" among youth, and state legislators are examining options to curb vaping among young people.

There are currently about 18 bills between the State House and Senate that would increase e-cigarette regulations. The bill that has gotten the most attention so far and has more than 30 backers who prohibit the sale of flavored liquid to be used with e-cigarettes.

Another bill would raise the minimum purchasing age to 21. A separate bill would increase fines to those who sell any smoking product to underage youth.

Connecticut is far from the only entity looking to curb e-cigarette use among youth. The country's most popular e-cigarette manufacturer has taken steps to reduce the availability of fruity flavors and the FDA is also considering somewhat similar measures.