Washington State’s highly restrictive smoking laws could get worse. The King County Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Administrative Board has voted in favor of a resolution that will formally ask the state to raise the minimum ge to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21.
Five states formally debated 21-year age increases this year: Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Utah and Vermont. None of the states passed any age changes.
Washington is the only state in the U.S. where legislation prevents smoking in places where cigars are also sold. In addition, the state has a 95% tax capped at 65 cents per cigar.
King County is home to Seattle. It is the largest in the state with a population just under 2 million residents.