Opposition to New Highland Park Tobacco Law Voiced

HIGHLAND PARK, IL - The city of Highland Park recently enacted a law that anyone purchasing tobacco products within city limits must be at least 21 years old, but not everyone agrees with the decision.

Scott Kohl, who grew up in Deerfield and now lives in Florida, posted on the Highland Park Patch Facebook page that while smoking is “a filthy dangerous habit,” the new law adds to the divide that exists in the nation.
Kohl’s main point of contention?

That people as young as 18 can serve the nation overseas, but are still unable to legally have a cigarette or consume alcohol.

“I genuinely believe we must find a way to heal the divide in our country,” Kohl writes. “This is a law that empowers the divide.”

The new law send a message that “reinforces the reality than an 18 year old, is capable of serving his country, handling complicated military equipment, and risking life and limb for country.”

“This law says ‘By the way you are capable of all those decisions, but not mature enough to know that smoking is dangerous and make your own choice.’”

Kohl also points out the concern that the legal drinking age has been 21 for years, but says he’d prefer to not allow 18 year olds to serve. That would make laws “that ban 18-year olds from drinking and smoking legitimate.”

“While I know this law was passed with the purest intentions, HP is still a part of the American community,” Kohl said. “Let us lead the way for a proper discussion, not reinforce the idea that there are two americas, one for the privileged, and one for the rest.”