Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation to Raise Tobacco and E-Cigarette Sales Age from 18 to 21

Builds on Governor's Comprehensive Efforts to Combat Health Threats from Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products

Governor Cuomo: "By raising the smoking age from 18 to 21, we can stop cigarettes and e-cigarettes from getting into the hands of young people in the first place and prevent an entire generation of New Yorkers from forming costly and potentially deadly addictions."

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.2833/A.558) to raise the minimum sales age for tobacco and electronic cigarette products from 18 to 21. This legislation builds on the Governor's comprehensive efforts to combat health threats from tobacco and e-cigarette products. The bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law.

"New York is taking aggressive action to stamp out smoking among teens and children, but tobacco and e-cigarette use still persists thanks to irresponsible corporate marketing campaigns targeting young people," Governor Cuomo said. "By raising the smoking age from 18 to 21, we can stop cigarettes and e-cigarettes from getting into the hands of young people in the first place and prevent an entire generation of New Yorkers from forming costly and potentially deadly addictions."

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "Tobacco use is harmful to New Yorkers and leads to cancer, major health problems, and death. Raising the age of purchase to 21 will help ensure fewer children start this deadly habit. I applaud Senator Diane Savino for sponsoring this legislation and working to help save New Yorkers from lifetimes of addiction and health problems."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, "The Assembly Majority is committed to protecting the health and well-being of New York State's youth. But too many kids are using addictive and dangerous cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Thanks to the hard work of bill sponsor Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, this law will raise the legal age for tobacco products, keeping them out of our schools and helping improve the health, present and future, of our young people."

Senator Diane Savino said, "Thank you Governor Cuomo for signing this important piece of legislation today. As a former smoker, I know how addictive these products can be - but as a legislator, I know its good public policy to take every step to continue protecting our youth from these potentially dangerous products."