‘Tobacco 21’ efforts continue without support of committee

The Council for Drug-Free Youth said it will continue its efforts to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco products in Jefferson City.

The Capital City’s Public Safety Committee discussed the proposed controversial “Tobacco 21” law Thursday morning.

After the Council for Drug-Free Youth, or CDFY, gave a presentation on the benefits of adopting the measure to the committee, the room fell silent without a motion, essentially killing the ordinance.

Committee co-chairMark Schreiber made a motion last time this issue was brought up, but refrained in Thursday’s meeting.

Councilman Carlos Graham, also in favor of the measure, could not make a motion due to his status as committee chairman.

First Ward Councilman Jim Branch told ABC 17 News his stance changed on the issue after getting negative feedback from the public. Branch said some of his constituents felt the measure would be overreaching government.

Thursday afternoon, the CDFY’s strategic and planning committee kicked in gear to discuss its next steps on “Tobacco 21.”

Based on feedback, the organization’s executive director Joy Sweeney said the group needs to educate the community more on the issue.

Sweeney said the group needs to make it clear the measure would not prohibit 18-19 year-olds from smoking, but raise the age to buy the products.

After that, Sweeney said CDFY will bring the issue to the full city council for a vote.

“The objective is to reduce access to young people so that they won’t ever become addicted,” Sweeney said. “That’s the only reason that we’re even trying to do this. We’re not trying to prohibit anybody or limit anybody’s rights or freedoms. It’s about protecting our children.”

Other Missouri cities have already adopted “Tobacco 21” including Columbia, Kansas City, Independence, Gladstone and Grandview.