GOSHEN – Persons wishing to buy tobacco products in Orange County must show proof that they are at least 21 years of age effective June 1. Orange is the only county from New York City to Albany that now has such a law.
County Executive Steven Neuhaus signed the local law on Friday saying he had his own experience with cigarettes.
“I smoked for over 10 years and it was the dumbest thing I ever did,” Neuhaus said. “If there is any damage that I have done to my body – I had a collapsed lung and I am still in the military now – luckily I am able to overcome and be health.”
Deputy Orange County Health Commissioner Chris Ericson said the tobacco law hits home with him.
“This is personal for me,” Ericson said. “My mother died of throat cancer about three years ago. It was a horrible death. I have seen what smoking can do. From a public health standpoint, this is probably one of the most proactive things you can do in public health, to stop something before it causes damage.”
Several representatives of health organizations attended the bill signing,
including from the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association.
Passage of this bill will help fight chronic diseases like heart disease,
stroke, lung cancer and all forms of cancer – and sends a powerful
message to other counties and cities throughout the state and country,”
said Kristin Salvi, American Heart Association Governmental Relations
director.
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