Bill introduced to raise min. age to buy tobacco in RI to 21

February 24, 2016 5:52 pm

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

A bill has been introduced to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in Rhode Island from 18 to 21. The legislation was introduced Wednesday by Representative Teresa Tanzi and Senator Cynthia A. Coyne.

The legislation would apply to all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, and would take effect on January 1st, 2017.

If the bill passes, Rhode Island would become the second state to raise the minimum age to 21 for tobacco purchases. Last year, Hawaii was the first to enact the change.

Boston, New York City, and 120 other municipalities across the country, including 80 in Massachusetts alone, have adopted local ordinances raising their tobacco purchase age to 21.

“Data tells us that 9 out of 10 adult smokers began smoking before age 21. Reducing youth access to tobacco products will lower tobacco addiction and reduce tobacco-related death and disease. Raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 will benefit the individual and society as a whole,” said Representative Tanzi.