At its most recent meeting, the city council in Excelsior Springs, Mo. voted to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco and nicotine delivery products from 18 to 21-years-old. The move brings another municipally into the growing movement in the Kansas City metropolitan area that has sprung up in the past year or so.
The city has yet to post details of the ban on its website, but the Excelsior Springs Standard reports that the new law does not criminalize the possession of tobacco products by persons between the ages of 18 and 21. The increase was approved unanimously by the five member council.
The Kansas City area has seen several cities pass similar increases recently, headlined by both Kansas City, Mo. and Kansas City, Kan. approving an increase in Nov. 2015. Since then, Jefferson City, Bonner Springs, Gardner, Gladstone, Independence, Leawood, Olathe and Prairie Village have all approved age increases.
Excelsior Springs is located approximately 30 miles northeast of Kansas City and is home to approximately 11,500 residents.