Advocates and state lawmakers this year are again making a push to change the smoking age to 21 in New York.
Efforts to raise the age from 18 to 21 failed in the state Legislature last year, but supporters rallied at the state Capitol again Monday pushing for the measure.
Cancer patients, survivors and their families and caregivers met with legislators to advocate for raising the age of cigarette and tobacco sales to 21 — including electronic cigarettes.
“I know how dangerous it is, and I know how poisonous it is,” said Sen. Diane Savino, D- Staten Island, one of the bill’s sponsors.
“I know we need to do something to make sure that we delay, however long as possible, young people getting access to cigarettes. So if that means raising it to 21, that’s what we have to do.”
