Cigarettes and Tobacco News

Aug 15, 2006 -- A law approved by the Nassau County Legislature in April of this year goes into effect on August 24th. The law, "Tobacco 19", raises the age at which a person may purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 19.

The idea behind the law is that raising the age just one extra year will significantly cut down on instances of teen smoking by putting cigarettes beyond the reach of high school students.

"The vast majority of high school students in Nassau County are 18 and under," Legislator Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside), who sponsored the bill with Legislator Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove), said in April. "The theory here is if you make it more difficult for the 18-year-olds to get cigarettes, you will make it more difficult for the 14-year-olds to get cigarettes. When you ask 14-year-olds where they get cigarettes, the most common answer is from an older friend."

The Nassau County Health Department in the next few weeks will be requiring tobacco vendors to sign papers affirming that they were notified of the change in law. Vendors will also be required to take the New York State Certified Tobacco Sales Training Course, and can contact the Nassau County Health Department for more information at 516-571-3232.

"Anything that helps to take tobacco products out of the hands of our youth is a positive move. Tobacco 19 may not be the full solution to teen smoking, but it's a step in the right direction" said Health Commissioner David M. Ackman.

"By raising the legal tobacco purchasing age to 19, we can further reduce the prevalence of cigarettes in our high schools and keep teens from developing an addiction that threatens their lives and jeopardizes their futures," said Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury). "Often, 18-year-olds, especially those who are 18-year-old high school seniors, will buy cigarettes for their younger friends. A recent California study showed 59 percent of 18-19 years olds were asked by an adolescent to purchase cigarettes on their behalf."

"Teen smoking rates are still much higher than the general population," said David M. Martin, Regional Vice President for the American Lung Association of New York State. "We should not allow a lethal product to be legally available to high school students who may develop a lifetime of addiction and disease from early exposure."