Kane Co. Looks at Raising Age to Buy Tobacco to 21

KANE COUNTY, IL - The Kane County's Public Health Committee on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a propsal to raise the age when adults can by tobacco products from the age of 18 to 21, according to the Daily Herald. The hope is that raising the age would deter teens from smoking. The smoking rate among teens has shown signs of rising and some of that may have to do with the popularity of vaping, health officials said.

The Daily Herald reports:

Michael Isaacson, the county's assistant director of community health, said raising the age to 21 would help prevent residents from becoming addicted to tobacco products. Studies show most people don't start smoking after age 18. Raising the age to 21 can help further limit that number by, in part, making it less likely younger teens will have access to tobacco through older siblings still living at home.

The Kane County Board is expected to vote on the measure during its meeting next month.

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