Pennsylvania Senator Plans to Introduce Tobacco Purchasing Age Increase

Pennsylvania State Senator Mario Scavello, R-Monroe County, has announced his plans to introduce a bill into the legislature that seeks to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products and tobacco alternatives from 18 to 21-years-old.

Scavello first announced his plans last December via a Senate memorandum to his fellow legislators; it appears now that the bill’s introduction is getting closer, according to a report by PennLive.com, which indicates he has been rounding up support among members of the House of Representatives and feels there could be enough support to get the bill passed. There also appears to be support from the state’s governor, Tom Wolf.

The bill’s introduction would come as seven states have already passed similar legislation and with both Illinois and Utah having passed their own increases that are awaiting the signatures of their respective governors. Several other states have active legislation that seeks to enact what has become known as “Tobacco 21” legislation.

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.