Two more NYS counties interested in learning more about Tobacco 21

 

With all eyes on Albany County lately waiting to see if the County Executive signs the Tobacco 21 bill into law, the AHA has heard from two more counties who are interested in passing Tobacco 21 laws in their communities. Tobacco 21 would raise the legal purchase age of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old.

On May 24, the AHA, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association and Catholic Charities of Montgomery County gave a presentation to the Montgomery County legislature on the substantial positive impact raising the smoking age would have on their community. Currently in the County, the smoking rates is 23.4%---14.4% higher then the state's average. The Legislature responded to the presentation positively and we are hopeful that bill language will be drafted soon and introduced before their next meeting at the end of June.

Cortland County also reached out to learn more about the initiative and advocates will be going to give a presentation there on June 9.

These counties would join the list of 130 current municipalities that already have Tobacco 21 laws in place, including New York City, Suffolk County, Chautauqua County, Kansas City, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, California and Hawaii!

Make sure to check back and see what happens next in each of these counties!

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