‘Tobacco 21’ measure falls flat at committee meeting

The controversial proposal to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products failed to pass Thursday morning after a tied vote of Jefferson City’s Public Safety Committee.

Known as “Tobacco 21,” the measure would raise the minimum age to 21 from 18 years old.

After a presentation by the Jefferson City Council for Drug-Free Youth, the Public Safety Committee voted with councilmen Carlos Graham andMark Schreiber in favor, and councilmenErin L. Wiseman andJim Branch against the measure.

Councilwoman Laura Ward was absent from the meeting, causing the decision to be pushed back another month.