US: Portland Could up Tobacco Buying Age to 21

Source from:  WMTW 04/12/2016

A change could be on the way for young smokers in Portland.

A City Council committee is weighing a proposal to increase the age to buy tobacco to 21.

City Councilor David Brenerman said the suggestion is in its early stages. He said it's one of several health issues up for review.

"It's an interesting idea to pursue as to whether we should make it more difficult for people to purchase cigarettes in Portland," Brenerman said. "Cities across the country are being asked to take up issues that usually state legislatures took up in the past."

More than 125 cities, including New York City, Boston, Kansas City and Cleveland, restrict tobacco sales to customers 21 and up.

Reactions in Portland are mixed.

"I think it would be a good thing for the young people to go to 21," Joe Pobe said. "I think they're starting too early."

"The people who are under 21 will simply go to another town to buy their cigarettes," Joan Grant said, "That will hurt the economy in this town."

Brenerman said the committee will take that into consideration.

"We should also hear from the other side," he said. "I don't think we should just go into it thinking we should do it without hearing both sides of the issue."

Maine's lung cancer rate is 30 percent higher than the national average.

"I think it's such a significant public health issue, we need to study it," Brenerman said.

The city will take up the issue Tuesday at 5 p.m. Enditem