Denver lawmakers raise tobacco purchasing age to 21

Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday announced a late-session bill to ask Colorado voters to significantly raise taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products and impose taxes on nicotine vaping devices.
Denver Post file photo

DENVER — Denver City Council has unanimously voted to ban the sale of nicotine vaporizers and other tobacco products to people under the age of 21.

Denver policymakers have also banned tobacco product vending machines, considered a statewide bill and debated where sales should be allowed.

Officials say stores could continue to sell tobacco products with a valid license.

Officials say the new law is effective immediately and enforcement would begin once signed by Mayor Michael Hancock.

Officials say more than 500 other local governments nationwide, 18 states and Washington D.C. have enacted “Tobacco 21” laws.

Experts say higher tobacco ages could prevent or delay initiation of tobacco use by young people.

The state and city Chamber of Commerce said they had no position on the change.

via:: The Aspen Times