Westchester County Executive George Latimer Signs Lifesaving Tobacco- 21 Bill into Law

White Plains, NY- June 6, 2018- Westchester County Executive George Latimer has signed a bill into law that will prohibit the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under 21 years of age.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) New York Government Relations Director Julie Hart released the following reaction:

“Tobacco 21 works. The longer we can keep youth away from tobacco products, the less likely they are to begin this deadly addiction.

“With the passage and signing of this measure, Westchester County Executive Latimer and the County Legislature have sent a message loudly and clearly that the health of our young people is of crucial importance. This new law will protect them from the dangers presented by the use of tobacco. Big Tobacco continues to target young people with its marketing and this new law will let them know that smoking is hazardous.

“Smoking causes 30 percent of all cancer deaths. Approximately 95 percent of adults who smoke started smoking before the age of 21. Increasing the age for the sale of tobacco products is a promising strategy in the effort to keep kids from beginning this deadly addiction and may decrease their risk of many cancers and other chronic diseases.

“It is now time for New York State to follow Westchester County’s lead and pass and enact a Tobacco-21 law.”