US: Louisiana House Snuffs Out Bid To Raise Smoking Age To 21

Source from:  Charlotte Observer 05/24/2019

Louisiana won't raise its legal smoking age from 18 to 21.

The House resoundingly snuffed out the proposal from Rep. Frank Hoffmann, a West Monroe Republican, to prohibit people under 21 years old from buying tobacco, alternative nicotine or vapor products. Only 24 members backed the measure Thursday, while 55 opposed it.

Hoffmann, a former smoker who frequently proposes bills aimed at curbing smoking, said he's worried about people's health. He said 7,200 people in Louisiana die from smoking-related illnesses each year, citing data from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

"Raising the sale age of these products will help reduce smoking, save lives and save money for health care," he said.  Enditem