New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed legislation Tuesday raising the tobacco-purchasing age from 18 to 21. The law takes effect in six months. Bloomberg signed a second bill, dubbed Sensible Tobacco Enforcement, which prohibits discounts on tobacco products and increases enforcement on vendors who attempt to work around paying their taxes. He believes that raising the age will prevent teens from even starting to smoke. His main motivation to do this is, "we will help prevent another generation from the ill health and shorter life expectancy that comes with smoking."
Analysis: I support Bloomberg's decision to increase the age to purchase cigarettes because New York has the most populous city in America: New York City. With all of its congestion and most people per square mile, it will help with pollution reduction and second hand smoking problems.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/19/us/new-york-city-tobacco-age-law/index.html?hpt=us_c2
I agree with their intentions, but I don't agree with their action. Kids are going to get fake ID's they're going to smoke anyways.
ReplyDeleteIt has always bothered me that people can enlist in the military at 18, but can't smoke or drink until 21. If you are old enough to make the conscious decision to potentially die for your country, you are old enough to determine what to do with your own body.
I agree with their decision as well. However, I can see Gloria's point. It seems silly that citizens can enroll in the army yet not use what is legal for older adults.
ReplyDeleteAshley Barnes 2nd
I don't see a problem with this bill. I mean, it is really the people's choices what to do with their bodies, but from an environmental point of view, it'll be great for the pedestrians that have to use a bike to get to work.
ReplyDeleteKids who intend to smoke before they're legally able to will probably find a way regardless of the age limits. Secondhand smoke is a dangerous thing, and it's possible that this could help lessen it some... Maybe the solution is to raise the limit on when you can join the army. In my opinion, you're not an adult until you are in your twenties, which is generally believed to be when your brain finishes growing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with their decision. This will definitely cut down on pollution and honestly, people younger than 21 usually don't handle cigarettes responsibly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about pollution and second hand smoking.
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