SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah city is raising the age limit to buy tobacco products to 21, and a state lawmaker says the rest of the state should follow suit.
The Deseret News reports the Lehi City Council unanimously approved the change Tuesday, and shortly after Republican Rep. Steve Eliason introduced a proposal for the rest of the state.
Eliason says it’s the third year he’s run the bill and he’s optimistic about its chances this year.
Brook Carlisle with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says ages 18 to 21 are critical years where people often pick up a daily, lifelong addiction to smoking.
Marc Watterson with the American Heart Association says six states and more than 400 cities around the country have raised the age to 21.
Utah’s current limit is 19.
