NYS Passes Tobacco 21; Poised to Be 9th State in the Nation to Raise the Age

Albany, NY (April 01, 2019) The American Lung Association today applauded and thanked the New York State Senate for passing legislation, introduced by Senator Diane Savino, to raise the age of sale of all tobacco products from 18 to 21. The New York State Assembly passed similar legislation last month, led by Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal.  Today, over 75 percent of New Yorkers are covered by local Tobacco 21 laws, which will be unified and strengthened by a statewide law.

Elizabeth Hamlin-Berninger, Director of Advocacy in New York for the American Lung Association said:

“New York State is poised to become the 9th state in the nation to raise the age of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21, thanks to bold leadership in municipalities throughout the state, from the east end of Suffolk County to our western border in Chautauqua and Essex County in the North Country.  Parents and teachers, kids and community leaders all over the state made their voices heard in town halls, in city halls, and finally in the state capital - and Senator Savino and Assembly member Rosenthal delivered.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued this statement:

"This year I proposed raising the minimum age for tobacco sales to 21 to help stamp out teen smoking and protect New Yorkers. The lifelong health effects of tobacco cannot be overstated and in New York we are committed to doing everything in our power to keep tobacco products out of the hands of young people. I commend the Assembly and now the Senate, including Senator Diane Savino and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, for joining us in this effort, and I look forward to signing this lifesaving legislation."