POUGHKEEPSIE – A proposal to adopt a Dutchess County law making 21 the legal age at which someone could purchase tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, failed by a 3-9 vote in committee Thursday evening.
Julie Hart of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network attempted to justify to county lawmakers Thursday night the need for the law.
“The longer we can delay initiation, the less likely somebody is going to begin this addiction,” Hart said. “Ninety-five percent of smokers begin this addiction before the age of 21 so if you can get to them early, then it is far less likely that they will begin this.”
Legislator Joel Tyner opposed the law saying some young people may be trying to kick the habit by transitioning to electronic cigarettes, but the proposal would prohibit them from purchase by persons under 21.
“This is a demeaning slap in the face to them because this law says even if you are trying to transition off of regular cigarettes and lower the nicotine level gradually, which a lot of people do, you can’t do that, so I do have some issues,” Tyner said. “I know there are some good thoughts and goals and high minded ideals, but the devil is in the details.”
In the Hudson Valley/Catskills, Orange and Sullivan counties have adopted the higher age to buy tobacco products.
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