WASHINGTON, D.C. – The nation’s capital would like to ban the purchase the tobacco to anyone under 21, according to U.S. News & World Report. A measure introduced yesterday in the City Council would make it illegal for anyone under 21 to buy tobacco.

If approved, Washington, D.C., would follow in the footsteps of New York City, which recently passed a similar measure. D.C. Councilman Kenyan McDuffie put forth the bill in part to capitalize on the momentum from New York City’s legislation. The measure’s co-sponsors include council members Yvette Alexander, Mary Cheh, Jack Evans and Jim Graham. McDuffie’s bill does not address electronic cigarettes, which could still be purchased by young adults.

“Raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 will decrease access to cigarettes, and, more importantly, may decrease the rate of smoking in young adults,” said McDuffie. “By restricting tobacco sales to young people, we can prevent many of our youth from acquiring a terrible, deadly addiction.”

Some criticized the move as one that would drive cigarette sales across the border to Virginia, which already has a significantly lower state cigarette taxes. In January, Washington, D.C., cigarette taxes added $2.50 per pack, while nearby Virginia has a cigarette tax rate of 30 cents per pack.