Raising The Legal Smoking Age Is Getting Pushback In Arizona
SB1147 would raise the age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21
A controversial bill in the Arizona senate calling for the state to raise the legal age to buy tobacco to 21 but wipe out local regulations is facing some serious pushback from lawmakers.
Senate Bill 1147 would raise the to age to buy tobacco products to 21 from 18, but also strip away nearly every local regulation now in place, including for retailers who sell to anyone underage and how far tobacco shops have to be from schools.
“It sounds like a good idea, but its really just smoke and mirrors,” said Rep. Victoria Steele, D-Tucson. “All they want to do is make it harder for cities, towns, and counties to regulate smoking and vaping among young people.”
Bill supporters (which includes Altria, the parent company of Phillip Morris) say it gives health advocates what they want by raising the age of buying tobacco to age 21. However, the bill would also de-regulate the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes and vaping products.
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