A measure currently being reviewed by Gov. Jerry Brown would make California the second state in the country to increase the legal age to purchase cigarettes. This law would also ban the use of electronic cigarettes in restaurants, malls, theaters or any place where traditional smoking is prohibited.
The current age to buy tobacco products is 18, but if Brown signs the measure it would rise to 21, similar to the drinking age.
Lawmakers cited the health risks of tobacco in approving six bills which were later sent to the Senate. The bills were encouraged due to a coalition called Save Lives California, which included various associations such as the American Cancer Society.
Lawmakers cited the health risks of tobacco in approving six bills which were later sent to the Senate. The bills were encouraged due to a coalition called Save Lives California, which included various associations such as the American Cancer Society.
Chico State student Erica Castenada, a 22-year-old non-smoker, supports the idea, saying that it would help prevent young people from becoming addicted.
“Everyone that I’ve ever known to be a smoker started young, so I think that making it harder to get ahold of would help stop young kids from getting hooked,” Castenada said.
However, many underage kids drink and can gain possession of alcohol when adults buy it for them. The same situation may play out with cigarettes if the demand is high enough.
Another Chico State student, Katelyn Ketchum, a 22-year-old smoker, agrees that this measure won’t stop anybody if they really want to buy cigarettes.
“Since I’m older this doesn’t really affect me, but I remember being under 21 and getting alcohol because I wanted it," she said. "That restriction never really stopped me and I think this will play out the same way. If I wanted cigarettes I would get them regardless of age, even if it was a little harder."
Kyler Wilson, an employee of the AM/PM liquor store in Chico, has mixed opinions about the age increase. He agrees that this will cause challenges for young kids trying to get cigarettes but they can always get other people over the age to buy for them.
“Working here, you can kind of tell when people are buying up for other people, like with alcohol," he said. "So I do think maybe some kids who haven’t smoked may not get into it because it’s not worth the trouble of trying to get someone else to buy them. But at the same time you know those kids that tried a cigarette somewhere along the line will make sure they can continue to get them from somewhere, and then give some to their friends if they wanted,” Wilson explained.
Bill opponents argue that 18-year-olds who can vote and fight in the military should have the right to smoke a cigarette.
The bills are currently awaiting consideration by the governor.
By Michelle Finn
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| photo credit: Valentin Ottone, flickr creative commons |
By Michelle Finn