The town of North Hempstead, N.Y. has passed an increase to its minimum age to purchase tobacco and nicotine delivery products products, as the town board and supervisor unanimously approved the increase during its meeting on Tuesday.
The increase goes into effect on March 1, 2017, but does not apply to businesses located in the 31 incorporated villages within North Hempstead. Supervisor Judi Bosworth expressed her hope that the villages would pass similar legislation to create a standard age throughout the area.
Retailers who sell tobacco to a person under 21-years-old face a penalty of a minimum of $300 and up to $1,000 for a first violation, and a fine of between $500 and $1,500 for each subsequent violation.
North Hempstead is one of three towns in Nassau County, located on Long Island. It has a population of nearly 230,000 residents. In 2014, Nassau County rejected an increase to the minimum purchasing age for tobacco, leaving it at 19-years-old.