ReachNYC Digital

In an effort to curb smoking and its deadly effects, The chair of the City Council's health committee, Joel Rivera, introduced a bill that would make the legal age to purchase tobacco in New York City, 21 years old, matching up with the legal drinking age.

Last year, New York State proposed raising the legal smoking age to 19, but that never took off. I don't see one year making a difference, in fact I see it as very ridiculous, if they're going to raise the legal age for buying tobacco products, might as well make a statement and make it 21. The proposal is said to be supported heavily by Mayor Bloomberg, who also supported the ban on smoking indoors.

Statiscally New York already boasts a lower rate of teen smokers compared with the national rate; 11% of City High School students smoke, compared to 23% nationwide. I think this can come back and kick alot of people in the rear, most youngsters will be tempted to smoke, just because its "illegal", as is the case with most teens who drink. 18 is a fine age, because its up to consenting young adults to make decisions, there's enough spoiling going on. So does that mean that more young people will go to New Jersey for a smoke? There are too many factors to consider.