Dutchess lawmakers to explore raising tobacco purchase age to 21

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POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess
County Legislature is going to debate raising the age to purchase tobacco
products, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21.

Legislature Chairman Dale Borchert said there are several sponsors of
the proposed local law, but there could be a change before it reaches
the full lawmaking body.

“There is a suggestion that we amend it so that people who are active
military would be exempt from this law,” he said. “We are
waiting to see if that amendment comes forth on committee day or not.”
Borchert said there is also some pushback from convenience store owners,
who says tobacco products are secured by young people more often by friends
who are older rather than from their shops.