The new year will usher in a Santa Clara County law that officials hope will deter kids and young adults from getting hooked on nicotine by raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco and electronic smoking products to 21.

The Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance in June at the behest of Supervisor Ken Yeager, who said he hopes the county’s model will spur other municipalities into similar action. The law only covers unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, affecting 17 retailers.

“Our county continues to be a national leader in protecting the health of our residents, particularly our children and youth,” Yeager said. “The new tobacco purchase age of 21 clearly puts the health of our youth before any special interests.”

Hawaii passed a similar statewide law in June. Nationwide, there are 115 local governing bodies that have upped the minimum age, including New York City, Boston, Cleveland, Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. California lawmakers are considering advancing a statewide law, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Proponents cite research that shows 95 percent of smokers began the habit before they turned 21. They also say raising the age will curb some very young smokers, as kids in their midteens are more likely to socialize with 18 year olds than with 21 year olds.

Violations of the ordinance will result in fines that start at $100 and climb to $500, as well as suspension of tobacco sales.

Gregory Conley of the American Vaping Association said his group feels it is unfair to lump vaporizer products in with traditional tobacco, although he said that’s generally the model that is being used across the country.

He added that politicians view such laws as an “easy fix.”

“They don’t view 18, 19 and 20 year olds as people who are going to turn out in an election,” Conley said. “They deserve the opportunity to quit smoking and the risks of vaping are fairly low compared to many other activities that young adults are allowed to participate in.”

However, the county Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said nicotine products still kill 480,000 people each year and cost $170 billion in health care expenses.

“Tobacco and e-cigarette use among teens and young adults remains a critical public health concern,” Cody said.

Contact Eric Kurhi at 408-920-5852. Follow him at Twitter.com/erickurhi.