New York Announces Ban on Cigarettes for Under-21s

New York City raised the minimum age allowed to buy cigarettes to 21 on the 18th.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed the unprecedented law in major American cities on November 19 last year before ending his second term. After a six-month waiting period, the law came into force on the 18th.

Under the new law, not only persons under the age of 21 are not allowed to buy cigarettes, but also anyone who cannot provide a valid document to prove his age. Before handing out the cigarette case, the cigarette seller needs to scan identity card of the cigarette buyer to confirm the authenticity of the identity.

The law also applies to other forms of tobacco and electronic cigarettes.

New York has taken a series of measures to control smoking, such as banning smoking and smoking electronic cigarettes in restaurants, bars, parks, squares and public beaches. Smoking is also prohibited in some private apartments. New York also has the highest cigarette tax in the country.

According to official data, the adult smoking rate in New York has dropped dramatically, from 21.5% in 2002 to 14.8% in 2011. However, the youth smoking rate has remained at around 8.5% since 2007. The New York government hopes that the implementation of the new law will halve the smoking rate of young people aged 18 to 20.