New Jersey hiking legal-smoking age to 21? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

sixate · 04-26-2003, 09:11 AM

LINKY

If it was up to me I'd make them illegal.

Quote:

Age to buy tobacco would increase to 21

Friday, April 25, 2003

BY JOSH MARGOLIN
Star-Ledger Staff

Two state lawmakers yesterday pitched legislation that would make New Jersey the first state in the nation to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes to 21.

Noting that people need to be 21 to drink or gamble in New Jersey, Assemblymen John McKeon and Joseph Cryan, both Democrats, said the current purchase age of 18 does not make sense. The two lawmakers are co-sponsors of a bill that is expected to be considered by the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee soon.

"Ninety percent of smokers begin before the age of 21," Cryan (D-Union) said during a Statehouse news conference. "This (bill) makes it more difficult. It's no different than drinking or gambling."

The push to raise the smoking age comes as the state Legislature considers a bill that would, like a new law in New York City, prohibit smoking in restaurants, bars and small workplaces. Smoking is limited in large workplaces in New Jersey.

No state has a tobacco-purchase age of 21. It has been proposed in California but is stalled in the state Legislature. New Jersey and 46 other states have a tobacco-purchase age of 18. Alabama, Alaska and Utah have raised it to 19.

While Cryan and McKeon (D-Essex) were joined by representatives of some key anti-smoking groups yesterday, one of the leaders in the state's anti-smoking movement said he doubts a higher age limit would make a big difference.

"Does moving it from 18 to 21 have a big impact in reducing consumption dramatically? There are things we can do that are more effective," said Larry Downs, executive director of NJ Breathes. He said the state should put more resources into educating youngsters about the dangers of tobacco, noting that most kids begin smoking much younger than the current legal age of 18.

McKeon said the bill "isn't the catch-all, the cure-all. It's another piece of the puzzle."

Smokers offered differing opinions on the proposal yesterday.

Jeff Scharnikow, 20, of Piscataway said such a law could actually make cigarettes more seductive to the young.

"The more you make something hard to get, the more young people try to get it," said Scharnikow. "Young people like the risk and excitement of doing something forbidden. It's like anything else. If you want it, you're going to get it."

John Rogaliski, 30, of Raritan Borough said the age restriction would not have stopped him from taking his first puffs at 16. But he said increasing the age would serve as a strong symbol.

"Cigarettes are a monkey that I can't get off of my back," said Rogaliski. "I've been smoking for years, and I just can't seem to quit."

The lawmakers said increasing the legal age would make it easier for vendors to spot underage buyers and make it much harder for high school students to buy cigarettes. Currently, they said, 18-year-old seniors often buy cigarettes for younger students.

The new proposal would set fines for those who supply tobacco products to those under 21. Repeat offenders also could risk losing their licenses to sell tobacco products, McKeon said.

McKeon and Cryan said the age switch would probably cut tobacco tax revenues to the state, but they had no estimates.

The largest cigarette maker in the country, Virginia-based Philip Morris USA, has no position on the proposal.

"We defer to legislators and elected officials in New Jersey to make the determination of the appropriate age to purchase cigarettes," said Philip Morris spokesman Tom Ryan.

Gov. James E. McGreevey has not taken a position on the measure, according to spokesman Micah Rasmussen.

phredgreen · 04-26-2003, 09:20 AM

okay... let's be honest here. for anyone who smokes, does the "legal age" make -any- difference at all as to whether or not they consume the product? no. woo and yay to laws such as the one in new york and the one's they've passed locally to ban smoking in many public places, but let's face it... laws to limit age don't do shit. i'm being as realistic as i can (i thought you'd appreciate that, six) here... you could raise the legal age to sixty and you'd still have 15 year olds smoking back behind the dumpster.

Johnny Rotten · 04-26-2003, 09:28 AM

I agree with Phred, I don't think this law will have any teeth. Who's gonna bust a 20-year old for smoking a cigarette? As deadly as the habit is, people don't see it in the same category as alcohol and gambling (probably because it takes so long for cigarettes to take their toll). Far better to limit locations, not age groups.

sixate · 04-26-2003, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by phredgreen
i'm being as realistic as i can (i thought you'd appreciate that, six)

We may both have heart attacks. Cause I agree with you. It won't stop kids from smoking. At best it'll make it a little harder to get them.

I hate cigs and wish they were illegal, but realistically, that's not gonna happen. I pray for the day it's illegal in all public places cause I'll carry my cell phone everywhere I go and call cops on people who don't follow that law.

splck · 04-26-2003, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sixate
I pray for the day it's illegal in all public places

It's been illegal in public places here for several years. I love seeing those poor addicted basterds standing outside freezing their ass while getting a nicotine fix.

The bad part is entering a building and having to pass the billowing smoke.

I agree that setting age limits won't do a thing, but I'm still in favor of it.

World's King · 04-26-2003, 02:58 PM

That won't be around long as long as Tony Soprano has something to with it.

Cynthetiq · 04-26-2003, 03:16 PM

well then they just hop on the train and go to NYC and pay the higher tax....

IC3 · 04-26-2003, 03:35 PM

Phred is right, Raising the age limit is just thier way of thinking it's actually gonna make a difference.

GuttersnipeXL · 04-26-2003, 03:40 PM

I'll agree too, no way is the age limit going to stop kids from smoking...they will still steal them, and people will still buy them, for minors...I'ts sad really, seeing someone buy cigs for kids...it promotes addiction, and being addicted to something essentially lethal is a bad way to be.

gov135 · 04-26-2003, 03:59 PM

Don't think this one has too much of a chance. Do you know what the state makes on these things?

Uhh - These lawmakers must not have watched any tv in the last few months. All the soldiers referred to on tv were 19 or 20. I think they should be trusted to make a decision on a pack of smokes.

Johnny Rotten · 04-26-2003, 04:04 PM

Just another politician Doing It for the Children

Won't someone please Think of the Children?

It's easy to pick on Big Tobacco these days. You want to impress me, give me back the rights I had before the DMCA and Patriot Acts.

Ambition · 04-26-2003, 04:05 PM

Good law, it will help the cause a little, not much but every little bit counts. Cigs suck.

merkerguitars · 04-26-2003, 06:56 PM

Yeah I agree to the law won't do much....And like many people said...if people are willing to pay they will still buy them.

blkdmnd · 04-26-2003, 07:04 PM

18 - 21 who can tell these days?

semperwill · 04-26-2003, 07:58 PM

I think it is just a way for the state to make more money by fining the people who sell tobacco.

spectre · 04-26-2003, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by phredgreen
okay... let's be honest here. for anyone who smokes, does the "legal age" make -any- difference at all as to whether or not they consume the product? no. woo and yay to laws such as the one in new york and the one's they've passed locally to ban smoking in many public places, but let's face it... laws to limit age don't do shit. i'm being as realistic as i can (i thought you'd appreciate that, six) here... you could raise the legal age to sixty and you'd still have 15 year olds smoking back behind the dumpster.

Yup. At 13 I knew a lot of people that smoked quite a bit. Raising the age won't change a thing. Glad I never started with that shit.

Modo · 04-27-2003, 10:08 AM

Everytime  the powers to be (laywers/politicians) make something illegal, good or bad, you lose a little bit of Freedom. What's Next? Independent thinking Free Speech Alcohol again or maybe Porn?Modo *wishing I'd never started smoking*

Go_AVS · 04-28-2003, 02:01 PM

So now the politicians want to say you can not drink or smoke until you are 21 but you can still die for your country at 18. Doesn't make sense...

louiedog · 04-28-2003, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gov135
Don't think this one has too much of a chance. Do you know what the state makes on these things?

Uhh - These lawmakers must not have watched any tv in the last few months. All the soldiers referred to on tv were 19 or 20. I think they should be trusted to make a decision on a pack of smokes.

so the drinking age should be lowered? kidding, i know you're not saying that, but it does bring up a point i think.

i remember when they started cracking down on the 18 law here in PA, it was two weeks after my friend turned 18. for years he had walked into stores and bought cigs with no problem, but after that he got carded every time.

Lebell · 04-28-2003, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Go_AVS
So now the politicians want to say you can not drink or smoke until you are 21 but you can still die for your country at 18. Doesn't make sense...

My thought exactly.

I don't like this "incremental" approach to adulthood. If you're an adult, you're an adult, and vice versa.

louiedog · 04-28-2003, 05:30 PM

I was a lifeguard before I could smoke and I have a few months before I can drink. Apparently I'm not qualified to use those substances on myself but I am qualified to rescue you. And with age of consent laws it's like they say you're able to have complete responsability for another life long before you can have some wine.

04-26-2003, 09:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
phredgreen who? Location: the phoenix metro	okay... let's be honest here. for anyone who smokes, does the "legal age" make -any- difference at all as to whether or not they consume the product? no. woo and yay to laws such as the one in new york and the one's they've passed locally to ban smoking in many public places, but let's face it... laws to limit age don't do shit. i'm being as realistic as i can (i thought you'd appreciate that, six) here... you could raise the legal age to sixty and you'd still have 15 year olds smoking back behind the dumpster. __________________ My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. - Thomas Paine

04-26-2003, 09:28 AM	#3 (permalink)
Johnny Rotten lost and found Location: Berkeley	I agree with Phred, I don't think this law will have any teeth. Who's gonna bust a 20-year old for smoking a cigarette? As deadly as the habit is, people don't see it in the same category as alcohol and gambling (probably because it takes so long for cigarettes to take their toll). Far better to limit locations, not age groups. __________________ "The idea that money doesn't buy you happiness is a lie put about by the rich, to stop the poor from killing them." -- Michael Caine

04-26-2003, 02:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	That won't be around long as long as Tony Soprano has something to with it. __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

04-26-2003, 03:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	well then they just hop on the train and go to NYC and pay the higher tax.... __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

04-26-2003, 03:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
GuttersnipeXL Giggity Giggity!! Location: N'York	I'll agree too, no way is the age limit going to stop kids from smoking...they will still steal them, and people will still buy them, for minors...I'ts sad really, seeing someone buy cigs for kids...it promotes addiction, and being addicted to something essentially lethal is a bad way to be. __________________ When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. HST

04-26-2003, 03:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
IC3 Poison Location: Canada	Phred is right, Raising the age limit is just thier way of thinking it's actually gonna make a difference.

04-26-2003, 03:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
gov135 Junkie Location: Midwest	Don't think this one has too much of a chance. Do you know what the state makes on these things? Uhh - These lawmakers must not have watched any tv in the last few months. All the soldiers referred to on tv were 19 or 20. I think they should be trusted to make a decision on a pack of smokes.

04-26-2003, 04:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
Johnny Rotten lost and found Location: Berkeley	Just another politician Doing It for the Children Won't someone please Think of the Children? It's easy to pick on Big Tobacco these days. You want to impress me, give me back the rights I had before the DMCA and Patriot Acts. __________________ "The idea that money doesn't buy you happiness is a lie put about by the rich, to stop the poor from killing them." -- Michael Caine

04-26-2003, 04:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
Ambition Insane Location: Miami, FL	Good law, it will help the cause a little, not much but every little bit counts. Cigs suck. __________________ Looking for answers to questions that can't be answered.

04-26-2003, 06:56 PM	#13 (permalink)
merkerguitars Buffering......... Location: Wisconsin...	Yeah I agree to the law won't do much....And like many people said...if people are willing to pay they will still buy them. __________________ Donate now! Ask me How! Please use the search function it is your friend. Look at my mustang please feel free to comment! http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=26985

04-26-2003, 07:04 PM	#14 (permalink)
blkdmnd Addict	18 - 21 who can tell these days? __________________ I blow my nose at you. Now go away before I taunt you a second time.

04-26-2003, 07:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
semperwill Upright Location: Some Embassy somewhere	I think it is just a way for the state to make more money by fining the people who sell tobacco.

04-27-2003, 10:08 AM	#17 (permalink)
Modo delusional Location: USA half way between East and West	<b><font color=FF0000 size=+1 face="comic sans ms">Everytime</font></b>  <b><font color=FFFF00 face="comic sans ms">the powers to be (laywers/politicians) make something illegal,<br> good or bad, you lose a little bit of Freedom.</font></b><br> <b><font color=FF0000 face="comic sans ms">What's Next?<br> Independent thinking<br> Free Speech<br>Alcohol again<br> or maybe Porn?</font></b><p><b><font face="comic sans ms">Modo</font></b><br><i>wishing I'd never started smoking</i>

04-28-2003, 02:01 PM	#18 (permalink)
Go_AVS CSU RAM fan Location: Hockey time....	So now the politicians want to say you can not drink or smoke until you are 21 but you can still die for your country at 18. Doesn't make sense... __________________ MIA...

04-28-2003, 05:30 PM	#21 (permalink)
louiedog Crazy	I was a lifeguard before I could smoke and I have a few months before I can drink. Apparently I'm not qualified to use those substances on myself but I am qualified to rescue you. And with age of consent laws it's like they say you're able to have complete responsability for another life long before you can have some wine.