New Age Requirement Proposed In Vermont

A group of bipartisan representatives has proposed legislation in the Vermont House of Representatives that would see the state’s age requirement increase from 18 to 21. In total, 26 representatives introduced H.616, which would not only ban the sale of tobacco to those under 21, but also make possession of tobacco products illegal.

Late last year, New York City became the first major city to enact a law banning sales to those under 21, although possession will remain legal. Similar legislation has been proposed in Utah, Washington D.C. and various parts of Massachusetts.

Each piece of legislation has been slightly different and Vermont’s is no different. Members of the military between the ages of 18 and 20 will still be able to legally purchase and possess tobacco products so long as they have valid military identification if the law passes.