Highland Park Raises Smoking Age to 21

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - The minimum age for people to be allowed to buy tobacco products in Highland Park will be raised to 21 as of January 1, 2017.

The City Council approved an ordinance making the change this week. It affects the purchase of both traditional tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

“Smoking is a public health issue,” Mayor Nancy Rotering said in praising the Council’s action, which came from a recommendation from the Lake County Health Department and Community - The Anti-Drug. “This action is a step forward to help our youth and young adults avoid addiction to a harmful substance.”

While the ordinance restricts sales to those 21 and older, possession of tobacco products will not be a crime for anyone 18 or older.

Lea Bacci of the Lake County Health Department called the move “a profound step” in “helping to shape positive community norms surrounding youth substance use.”

Employees at the 17 licenses tobacco vendors in Highland Park must also be at least 21 to sell the products.

Patch file photo