Michigan Legislators Consider Raising Smoking Age to 21

Meanwhile, Aspen becomes the first Colorado city to increase the tobacco purchase age to 21.

June 14, 2017

LANSING, Mich. – Several new bills would alter tobacco laws in Michigan. One, introduced by state Rep. Tommy Brann, would put the legal smoking age at 21, Detroit Free Press reports. Another bill would forbid the sale of chewing tobacco, cigars, pipes, hookahs and electronic cigarettes to those under the age of 21. A third proposal would prohibit the sale of cigarettes via mail order and ban tobacco vending machines.

In Colorado, the Aspen City Council approved a measure to increase the tobacco purchase age to 21, the Aspen Daily News reports. The law will take effect January 1, making Aspen the first Colorado locality to raise the tobacco buying age from 18 to 21.

“Aspen is such a health-conscious town, and our residents and guests enjoy life here for the clean air and exercise opportunities,” said Aspen Mayor Steve Skadron. “Our leadership is essential in creating a city known for its healthy lifestyle and ethic. This law will positively contribute toward the goal of lowering smoking rates in young adults.”

Other states considering upping the age restriction to 21 for tobacco products this year include Washington, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Nebraska, Connecticut, Vermont and Florida. Currently, only California and Hawaii have statewide restrictions on being 21 to buy tobacco, although around 200 other localities have also raised the minimum tobacco purchase age above 18. For more, read “Must Be 21 to Buy” in NACS Magazine.

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