There’s legislation being introduced for consideration by New York law makers to up the legal age to 21 for people to smoke cigarettes. Senate Bill S3978 is working its way to the Senate Health Committee for review.

If this bill becomes a law it would raise the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. There are hopes that this bill if passed would prevent young people from picking up the habit of smoking, especially teens. The ultimate goal is to prevent people from becoming life-long tobacco users and smokers. E-cigarettes would also be part of this proposed legislation.

One of the bill's sponsors, Rep. Diane Savino of Staten Island said:

Every year in New York, fifty-three thousand youth under the age of 18 become regular smokers. Many of them tried their first cigarette before they entered high school. 389,000 youth under the age of eighteen in New York will ultimately die prematurely from smoking.

The current legislative session may not include this discussion. The drinking age being 21 doesn't stop underage drinking so would this even help? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

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