New York City continues to lead the anti-tobacco charge, as they will soon be considering a measure that would raise the minimum age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21.
On Monday, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Council members proposed legislation that they hope will further restrict access to tobacco by increasing the minimum age for purchase to that of alcohol. Neighboring Nassau and Suffolk counties have already raised their minimum age for buying tobacco products to 19.
The proposed legislation piles on anti-tobacco legislation that the city has created in recent years, including high tobacco taxes, laws to create smoke-free workplaces and public areas and an anti-tobacco advertising campaign that blankets the city.
Quinn is also running to replace current New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has been ardent in his efforts to improve the health of New Yorkers through legislation regarding tobacco as well as food content and serving sizes.