TRENTON — Convenience stores and other retailers would be prohibited from selling tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to young adults under age 21 under a bill the Senate approved today.



New Jersey is one of five states that sets a minimum age of 19 for tobacco sales, and would be the first state to increase the legal age to 21. Senate sponsors Richard Codey (D-Essex) and Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex) proposed the legislation to prevent young people from taking up the harmful habit.



"Tobacco is a killer and, sadly, each day more young people are becoming addicted. We cannot stand by and do nothing while our residents suffer smoking-related illnesses and preventable deaths," Codey said. "By raising the minimum smoking age, we will prevent children from buying tobacco products and becoming regular smokers. In doing so we will save lives."

The senators cited studies showing smokers move from experimental smoking to daily use between from ages 18 to 21.

“By increasing the age in which someone can purchase and legally smoke, we could be making a real lifelong impact on these young people’s lives, hopefully preventing them from the ill effects of smoking such as emphysema or cancer," Vitale said.

Violators of the law would pay $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, according to the bill.

The NJ Gasoline-Convenience-Automotive Association has testified against the legislation because it puts the responsibility of complying with the law on its members, instead of underage buyers.

The bill (S602), was approved by a vote of 23-10. The legislation awaits action in the Assembly.

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