Jefferson City again considers ‘Tobacco 21’

Some Jefferson City leaders are once again asking the city council to approve raising the minimum age at which citizens can purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.

The campaign, known as “Tobacco 21,” died in the city’s Public Safety Committee in July 2016 when it failed to overcome a tied vote.

The measure is targeted at teens younger than 18 according to Joy Sweeney, executive director of the Jefferson City Council for Drug-Free Youth, who said they routinely get access to the products from friends who recently turned 18.

“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.”

Sweeney said “Tobacco 21” has already been approved in about one-third of Missouri municipalities.