Teens To Be Barred From Buying Cigarettes Across New York

NEW YORK — Teens will soon be barred from buying cigarettes anywhere in New York State under legislation passed in Albany on Monday. The state Senate voted to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and electronic cigarettes from 18 to 21, following New York City's lead in an effort to curb smoking.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will sign the bill, which will make New York the eighth state to hike the smoking age that high. Lawmakers say it's a life-saving step.

"Young people are less likely to pick up smoking the later in life they have the opportunity to do so," said Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island), the bill's sponsor. "By raising the age to buy tobacco and vape products to 21, we will help prevent future generations of young people from ever picking up a pack of cigarettes."

New York City barred merchants from selling tobacco to anyone younger than 21 in 2014. Fifteen other counties have also made the move, including the suburbs of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties, according to the state Department of Health.

In addition to raising the purchase age, the state legislation will require retailers to post signs reflecting the new age and ban the distribution of free tobacco products to anyone younger than 21.

It also makes clear that merchants could be fined up to $2,500 or possibly lose their certificates if they sell to anyone below the minimum age, the state Senate says.

Some 95 percent of adult smokers start the habit before turning 21, lawmakers say, and research has shown that raising the purchase age can drive down the number of young adults and adolescents who begin smoking.

"The lifelong health effects of tobacco cannot be overstated and in New York we are committed to doing everything in our power to keep tobacco products out of the hands of young people," Cuomo said in a statement.