Tobacco 21 Laws in New York, Ohio to Take Effect

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week signed a law to raise the state’s minimum tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21, reports U.S. News, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also signed off on his state’s tobacco 21 legislation, WBNS reports.

In New York, the change will take effect in 120 days and applies to traditional tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Ohio’s law will take effect in 90 days and covers cigarettes, cigars, vaping pens and other tobacco products.

New York and Ohio join 16 other states that have approved raising the tobacco-purchase age to 21. While the federal minimum age to purchase tobacco products is 18, many cities and states have set a higher minimum purchase age, with some carving out exceptions for military service members.

The movement continues to spread to smaller communities. Vail, Colorado, is considering raising the tobacco purchasing age, reports Vail Daily. The Eagle County Public Health Department gave local council members a presentation about teen vaping, and officials are looking at options ranging from raising the age for legal sales to increasing prices through a tax.

Both Kentucky and Indiana also are looking to raise the minimum age for tobacco sales.

In May, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced federal legislation that would increase the minimum tobacco buying age to 21.

To help retailers navigate these fast-moving changes and ensure compliance with tobacco regulations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the nonprofit We Card program are rolling out or updating free resources. The FDA last month issued a digital age-verification calendar as part of the “This is Our Watch” voluntary retailer education program. We Card offers free 21 minimum age resources to help retailers prepare for the new requirements.

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