Tanzi Bill would Raise Tobacco Age Minimum to 21

A Rhode Island state representative is proposing Rhode Island raise the minimum age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21.

“Nicotine addiction is tough to break, and most smokers get hooked at a young age. My hope is that making it harder for younger people to get cigarettes would have the effect of preventing smokers from starting in the first place, and there is ample evidence to support this,” said Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett). “The bottom line is public policy can create better health outcomes for more Rhode Islanders, and when the science is this strong in support of a change in policy, it would be irresponsible not to act.”

Tanzi said that she believes the legislation would send a strong note to youth that smoking is dangerous.

The average age that a smoker begins their habit in 2008 was 20.1 years-old among 12- to 49-year-olds, according to the American Lung Association. And studies have shown that the earlier a smoker starts, the greater the risk of developing a severe addiction.

Several states – New Jersey, Alaska, Alabama and Utah – have set their minimum age for tobacco purchases at age 19, and numerous local jurisdictions have set their own limits at age 21, including 15 towns in neighboring Massachusetts. New York City banned sales to those younger than 21 last year. Representative Tanzi’s bill, if passed, would make Rhode Island the first state to do so.

The legislation was introduced Jan. 29 and is cosponsored by Rep. Mia Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln), Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Dist. 18, Cranston), Rep. John J. Lombardi (D-Dist. 8, Providence) and Rep. Shelby Maldonado (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls).