Politics & Government
Nassau County Passes Tobacco 21 Law
After three years of trying to get the "Smoking 21" bill passed, on May 23, the County Legislature voted unanimously to approve it.
In a unanimous vote on May 23, 2018, the Nassau County Legislature approved legislation that raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco and tobacco products (nicotine gum, patches) and electronic (vapor) cigarettes to 21. This new law will take effect 60 days after it is signed by County Executive Laura Curran.
Some lawmakers have felt that, once children come of age at 18 and are considered adults, they should be able to decide for themselves whether or not to smoke tobacco products. But raising the minimum age to purchase these products to 21 can make a significant difference in their futures in several ways.
Young adults who start smoking by age 18 tend to become addicted to nicotine more easily than adults. Smoking also reduces lung function and retards lung growth. About 75% of teen smokers continue smoking as adults and nearly 9 out of 10 adult smokers started smoking by 18. The most frightening statistic about youths smoking is that nicotine can rewire youths’ brains, making heroin and other opioids even more addictive.
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Legislator Judy Jacobs, who unfortunately passed away in 2016, proposed legislation several times to raise the age to purchase tobacco products to 21. The Legislative Majority never even called the bill to the Legislature floor for discussion, although they finally did in April.
“Enacting this bill into law has been a long time coming,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said. “We proposed it several times over the past few years, but the Majority Legislature refused to call it. I’ve very pleased and relieved the bill finally passed. I am certain it will save a great number of lives.”
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Nassau County joins New York City, Suffolk County, Hempstead, North Hempstead and local villages in the adoption of the Tobacco 21 bill. Any stores selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 could face fines. All types of tobacco and nicotine products would be included under this bill.
Feel free to contact Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton to discuss this new law or any other topic at 516-571-6211 or dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov.
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