North Plainfield, N.J. Considers Minimum Age Increase

Later this month, the North Plainfield City Council will have its first opportunity to formally vote in favor of raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco in the New Jersey township to 21.

Earlier this week, the measure was introduced and according to NJ.com, “received favorably.” A first reading has been scheduled for the May 26 meeting with a final taking place as early as June 8.

If passed it would increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco from 19 to 21. Violators would be subject to a $500 fine for the first offense, $500-750 for the second offense and a $1,000 fine and up to a 90-day jail term for a third offense.

In addition, retailers would be require to put up signs and all self-serve tobacco vending machines would be banned.

North Plainfield would become one of a dozen or so municipalities in New Jersey to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21. A statewide effort passed the New Jersey Senate last year and is now in the state’s Assembly.

North Plainfield is located in Somerset County, about 25 miles southeast of Manhattan. It has a population of just over 20,000.