You Must Now Be 21 To Buy Tobacco Products in Albany County

90% of smokers start smoking before they turn 21, but only about 2% of tobacco sales come from people under 21. So, why did Albany county legislators pass Local Law C, requiring people to be 21 years old in order to buy tobacco related products?

Well, 24 lawmakers believe that the law will be effective in reducing smoking rates within the younger population.

But not everyone agrees. 13 local lawmakers voted against the bill. Opponents say that friends, acquaintances, and older family members are the primary sources of cigarettes for young smokers.

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy needs to sign the bill for the law to go into full effect.

Do you think this law will be effective in reducing smoking rates among teenagers? Are you concerned that this bill will hurt local businesses?

Let us know in the comments below!