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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 ››

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