Historic Tobacco 21 Legislation

“Today’s bill signing by Mayor Bloomberg to raise the minimum legal sales age of cigarettes, certain tobacco products and electronic cigarettes from 18 to 21 establishes New York City as the first major city in the country with a law of this kind. This legislation marks a major step forward in reducing youth smoking rates with the potential to spare thousands of New Yorkers from a lifetime of nicotine addiction and health problems.

Along with the passage and signing of legislation to enhance sensible tobacco enforcement, the City Council and the Administration have once again taken initiative to drive down the prevalence of tobacco use among young people from already historic lows. It is our belief – and our hope – that the City’s smoke-free efforts will serve as models for other jurisdictions in the weeks, months and years to come. We thank Mayor Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Thomas Farley for working with us on this groundbreaking legislation.”

presented by: Roseanna Delgado