Town Proposes Raising Smoking Age To 21

Standing in front of Rockville Centre's Covert Elementary School, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino announced that he would be putting forward legislation to raise the age to purchase cigarettes in the town from 18 to 21.

Santino, joined with town and school officials, said the goal of the legislation was to protect children from the effects of smoking. Santino said he planned to propose the legislation at the town's meeting Tuesday, and schedule a hearing for the April 25 meeting.

"There is clear cut evidence that raising the age for tobacco sales will slash the smoking rate significantly and reduce the number of smoking-related deaths," Santino said. "I am committed to protecting young people, and passing legislation that raises the age for tobacco sales will help achieve that goal."

The law would apply to all tobacco products sold in the Town of Hempstead, as well as electronic cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia like rolling paper.

Under the proposed law, businesses would have to clearly post signage saying that selling tobacco to people under 21 is prohibited by law. Businesses that did sell to people under 21 could be fined up to $1,500 and potentially lose their license to sell tobacco products.

According to a 2016 report from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, raising the smoking age to 21 as opposed to 19 would reduce smoking by 9 percent.

"This new legislation will help 'clear the air' for the youth of our township and prevent them from having access to tobacco at an early age," Santino said. "The health of our children comes first, and we’re doing our part to help them lead healthy lives into adulthood."

Photo: Town of Hempstead