Raising Age of Sale to 21

To reduce the young adult initiation and smoking rates, jurisdictions are requiring that the age of sale be greater than 18. Read GASP's list of jurisdictions that raise the age to sell tobacco to 21.

Northeastern United States is trending on raising the age of sale to 21. New Jersey bans anyone from selling, furnishing or giving tobacco or electronic smoking devices, to a person under age 19, and in Spring 2013, New Jersey Senator Richard Codey and Assemblyman Ruben Ramos sponsored bills to increase the age of sale to 21 in New Jersey. In autumn 2013, NYC banned the sale of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, to persons under age 21. Several communities in Massachusetts ban the sale of tobacco to persons under age 21, and more Massachusetts' communities are considering the same.

New Jersey/New York Collaboration. On May 16, 2013, a joint press conference was held by New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, with Senator Codey and Assemblyman Ramos to announce the 21 age of sale initiatives in New York City, New York State and New Jersey. GASP was invited to present at the press conference.

New York City Moves Ahead On October 30, 2013, New York City's City Council voted to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone under age 21. This NYC bill was sponsored by Councilman James Gennaro from Queens whose mother passed away from lung cancer. GASP attended the NYC Council vote on the evening of October 30, 2013.

On November 19, 2013, New York City Mayor Bloomberg signed into law a bill that bans the sale of tobacco, including electronic smoking devices, to people under age 21. Read the Long Island Newsday article about the new law. The law takes effect in six months.

Gasp was invited to the Mayor's signing by bill sponsor councilman James Gennaro. GASP testified at the bill signing, was personally thanked by Mayor Bloomberg after his bill signing, and was thanked in Councilman Gennaro's press release.

Read Gasp's press release and our list of jurisdictions with age of sale restrictions of more than 19

Watch the News4 New York video of an interview with Councilman Gennaro that aired on November 18, 2013.

Mayor Bloomberg tweeted about the new law, as did the New York Times by quoting Councilman Gennaro. Read an Associated Press news article and view a video of Mayor Bloomberg's signing from The Christian Monitor.

Last update: 12/18/13