Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed into law a bill that raises the age for the sale of tobacco products from 18 years of age to 21 years of age in Westchester. The measure has been in the works for the past four years, and increases the age to purchase cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping products. Latimer believes the bill will help reduce the number of teens using nicotine products, and reduce addiction among youth.
“Somebody today is going to find it harder to get that tobacco product because of this law,” said Latimer. “And because it’s harder for them to get it now, somewhere 50 years down the road they’ll have aged without picking up the habit. People will be living longer lives, and that’s why this law is important.”
County Legislator Catherine Borgia added: “I’m grateful that Westchester County has joined other nearby counties and New York City in increasing the age to purchase tobacco products to 21, which will greatly diminish access to these products among younger people. I also want thank the advocates who worked tirelessly alongside us for the past four years to keep dangerous tobacco products out of the hands of children.”
Director of the American Lung Association of the Northeast Maureen Kenney said that almost all smokers start as kids or young adults, which is the age group that the tobacco industry heavily targets in order to recruit and addict new customers. “Increasing the tobacco age to 21 will help to prevent young people from ever starting to smoke, while reducing tobacco-related illness, death and health care costs caused by tobacco use,” she said.
Scarsdale High School Senior Jack Waxman added: “Because of the Tobacco 21 law, I’m looking forward to paving the way for the younger generation. For the 12- and 13-year-olds that were thinking of starting to use e-cigarettes, this is putting up a barrier. This is our way of saying we want to protect you, and this is what’s best for you.”
Commissioner of Health Dr. Sherlita Amler said the law will save lives. “Raising the legal age to buy tobacco and tobacco products should discourage more young people from taking up this cancer-causing habit,” she said.
The Westchester County Board of Legislators passed the bill by a bipartisan vote of 16-1. The law goes into effect in 60 days after signing.
