Minimum Age Increase Proposed For Buying Tobacco Products In HoCo

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — In an effort to protect young adults' health and be consistent with state law, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has pre-filed legislation that would raise the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco products and electronic smoking devices also known as “e-cigarettes” or “vaping” devices from 18 to 21 in Howard County. The new minimum sales age for all tobaccos products across the state was raised to 21 effective Oct. 1.

This bill also will amend what constitutes proof-of-age to purchase tobacco or electronic smoking devices. Consumers no longer will be allowed to provide an employer or college identification documents; only government issued identification documents will be allowed to conduct purchases.

“The safety of our young people is a top priority of my administration and the responsibility of our entire community,” said Ball in a statement. “We know that most adults who smoke or use tobacco started by age 21. In addition, in 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S. youth, including one in five high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students, reported current e-cigarette use. This legislation would slow this rise, decrease access to e-cigarettes and reduce the likelihood of young people ever starting to use tobacco. By raising the minimum age, we would be keeping our kids healthy and decreasing their chance of lifelong addiction.”