News

-A A +A

SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATOR APPROVES IR 1039-2014; RAISES LEGAL AGE TO PURCHASE TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO 21

Mar
20
2014

(Huntington, NY) Suffolk County Legislator William R. Spencer (D-Huntington) and his colleagues made history last night. After hours of testimony on both sides of the debate, the Suffolk County Legislature approved IR 1039-2014, A Local Law to Raise the Legal Age for the Sale of Tobacco Products in Suffolk County by a vote of 10 to 8. At times the debate became contentious but eventually, late into the night, Legislators took the historic vote and Suffolk became the first county in the nation to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21 years old. This is a measure that most agree will not only save lives but contain health care costs as well.

“This issue is...| read more ››

Suffolk County approves law to increase tobacco purchase age to 21

Mar
19
2014

The Suffolk County Legislature voted on Tuesday night to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 19 to 21, effective Jan. 1 next year.

The legislation, sponsored by Legislator William "Doc" Spencer (D-Centerport), was approved by a vote of 10-8, with mostly Democrats in the Democrat-controlled Legislature voting in favor of the bill, and all of the Legislature's Republicans voting against the measure.

The bill applies to tobacco products including cigarettes, chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes.

Legislators DuWayne Gregory and William "Doc" Spencer confer with one another during the meeting Tuesday night. Photo by Rohma Abbas
The legislation awaits Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's signature, which he is expected to do, according to a spokeswoman on Wednesday.

When...| read more ››

Suffolk County raises tobacco-buying age to 21

Mar
19
2014

RIVERHEAD (WABC) -- Some of the toughest smoking and dipping restrictions in the country are going into effect in Suffolk County.

Legislators voted Tuesday night to raise the age for tobacco sales from 19 to 21.

Stores that violate the law will pay a $1,000 fine.

The county could lose more than $400,000 in tax revenue, but the change is expected to save $3 billion in health care costs.

"This will save lives," bill sponsor William Spencer said after the 10-8 vote.

The bill also includes e-cigaretts.| read more ››

Suffolk County Lawmakers Vote To Raise Tobacco Purchase Age To 21

Mar
19
2014

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — Lawmakers Suffolk County on Long Island voted Tuesday night to raise the age for tobacco sales to 21.

The vote among Suffolk County legislators was 10-8, according to a Newsday report. The minimum age for tobacco sales currently stands at 19.

Last year, New York City became the first large city or state in the country to prohibit sales to young adults.
City lawmakers approved raising the age in a 35-10 vote last fall.
If sellers violate the New York City law by selling to people under 21, they could be fined up to $1,000 for each violation found in a single day and up to $2,000 for a second violation. Retailers could also...| read more ››

Suffolk lawmakers raise age for buying tobacco to 21

Mar
18
2014

Suffolk County raised the age for tobacco sales from 19 to 21 last night, passing a bill with some of the tightest restrictions over cigarette sales in the country.

"This will save lives," Legis. William Spencer (D-Centerport), the bill's sponsor and a pediatric surgeon, said after the 10-8 vote.

The bill restricts stores in Suffolk County from selling cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, herbal cigarettes, rolling papers, pipes, as well as e-cigarettes, to those over 21. The law goes into effect Jan. 1.

New York City late last year passed a similar age restriction, while the town of Needham, Mass., has instituted another proposal, according to the American Lung Association.

After a lengthy debate, in which convenience store owners said their...| read more ››

Spencer: First Responders Were 'Put to The Test' Recently

Mar
6
2014

Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Suffolk County Leg. William R. Spencer, M.D., who represents the 18th District.

It has been a busy couple of weeks for our police department and emergency responders. They have certainly been put to the test with the carbon monoxide tragedy, the shooting at Oheka Castle and the devastating fire which ravaged numerous local businesses in Huntington Village.

I would like to thank and commend our first responders, police officers and fire fighters for the outstanding job that they have done and continue to do. If it had not been for the quick response and brave actions by the large number of volunteer firemen and women to the Village fire call, the...| read more ››

'Doc' Spencer: Keeping a community healthy

Dec
26
2013

A politician, physician and pastor, Suffolk County Legislator William "Doc" Spencer is no stranger to wearing many hats. Those close to him say that it's through serving in these diverse roles that Spencer looks out for the total health of his community.

In his short time on the Legislature — he took office Jan. 1, 2012, and was overwhelmingly reelected in November — Spencer (D-Centerport) has been able to accomplish much: fighting for youth by sponsoring legislation that banned the marketing of energy drinks to minors; channeling county and state funds to help Northport Village upgrade its wastewater treatment plant; and helping close on the $6 million DeForest Williams property acquisition, an important environmental purchase in Cold Spring Harbor.

These...| read more ››

The Observer Endorses Spencer!

Nov
5
2013

"18th Legislative District...

In the 18th Legislative district, The Observer endorses Dr. William Spencer (D-Centerport) for re-election. Dr. Spencer has accomplished in his first term things that legislators can't in a career in public office. He has had laws enacted to improve the health code, he has delivered $4.5 million in county grants for the Northport sewer plant upgrade, which will save local property taxpayers significant money, he has obtained funding for downtown revitalization.

Dr. Spencer has been a hardworking first term legislator who has really produced beyond even the most ambitious expectations. He is caring and smart, articulate and concerned and he brings to the table a real sense of community. He has shown a commitment to the district...| read more ››

The Long-Islander Endorses Legislator Spencer!

Nov
4
2013

Suffolk County Legislature, 18th District:

William Spencer

"When William R. "Doc" Spencer won election to the seat previously held by Jon Cooper, he had big shoes to fill. He has filled them admirably - and then some. The insight he brings as a practicing physician is invaluable to the health committee, which he chairs. He has focused on health as well as public safety issues. He delivered for Northport, securing money for sewage plant upgrades, and for Huntington Station, with public safety initiatives like funding ShotSpotter technology, and funding to increase police presence.

Challenger Robert Conte brings a deep interest in the community that goes back generations, and his heart is sincerely in the race. But Spencer sets the bar...| read more ››

Pages

Get Involved!