Arizona bill would require people be at least 21 to buy tobacco products
Feb 5, 2018, 12:34 PM | Updated: 12:47 pm
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
PHOENIX — A new Arizona state bill would raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21.
Introduced in December, the Senate bill would make buying or possessing tobacco or tobacco products by someone younger than 21 a petty offense, worthy of a fine up to $100 or 30 hours of community service.
However, if it is used in connection with a “bona fide practice of a religious belief and as an integral part of a religious or ceremonial exercise” the law would not apply.
The bill would also require all locations that sell tobacco products to post a sign warning that no products will be sold to those younger than 21 years of age.
Some states, Hawaii and California, have already put these policies into action and multiple Arizona cities have taken the initiative as well.
The city of Douglas followed Cottonwood’s footsteps last year as they became the second Arizona city to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco.
The Arizona House of Representatives tried to pass a similar bill last year but it died in committee.
The bill has gone through multiple committee sessions and a second read in the Senate. The bill will either be sent back to committee or receive a vote.
