In New York have prohibited selling cigarettes to people under 21 years old

November 4, 2013

New York City council on October 30th has voted for introducing ban of cigarettes sale to people under 21 years old - informs Associated Press.

Council by majority of votes has adopted the law that increases age beginning with which purchasing cigarettes is allowed, from 18 to 21 years. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg should sign the law during one month. In 180 days after this law comes into force.

Ban will be applied not only to cigarettes and tobacco but electronic cigarettes as well.

In addition to the law of increasing the age restriction, city council has also adopted law that limits minimum price of cigarette pack with 10.5 USD and toughens punishments for illegal sale of tobacco products.

At present moment in USA works federal law according to which cigarettes can be purchased beginning with 18 years. As Associated Press marks, New York became first major city that has increased age limit for cigarettes sale from 18 to 21 years. As of yet such restrictions has effect only in Needham city, Massachusetts State. In addition respective law is planned to be put to vote on Hawaii, New Jersey State and also in Canton city in Massachusetts.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is active supporter of smoking restrictive measures. So, in March 2013 he offered to adopt law that prohibits displaying cigarette packs on the counters, shop windows and cash desks. This, according to mayor's opinion should protect people against temptation to buy cigarettes. However, as later was announced in city health department, discussion of this measure was postponed because of wide spreading of electronic cigarettes that have required new decision of this problem.

Earlier Bloomberg has taken a number of other measures of smoking restriction. So, in 2010 in the city was adopted law that prohibits smoking on squares, in the parks and on beaches. Earlier in city was prohibited to smoke in the bars and restaurants, near playgrounds and during cultural events on open air. For smoking control Mayor has allocated, among other, his own money in amount of several hundreds million USD.