On Wednesday night, the New York City Council voted and approved a bill that would raise the minimum purchase age on tobacco to 21.
The "Tobacco 21" bill also will include electronic cigarettes in that, CNN is reporting. The council also voted on a second bill, called "Sensible Tobacco Enforcement," which outlaws discounts and aims to be tougher on vendors attempting to avoid taxes.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said in a statement, "By increasing the smoking age to 21, we will help prevent another generation from the ill health and shorter life expectancy that comes with smoking." The mayor has 30 days to sign the bill.
Some New Yorkers aren't happy with the bill. "You're an adult; you should be able to buy a pack of cigarettes," a New Yorker told NY1. Another said, "I think it's ridiculous. Let us be, let us live."
Health Commissioner Thomas A. Farley said in a statement that increasing the age "will protect teens and may prevent many people from ever starting to smoke."
NBC News notes that NYC is not the first to raise the age. Needham, Mass. has already raised the age to 21.
NYC Council members voted 35 to 10 to pass the bill.
image: Wikimedia Commons
