Recently a new legislation for buying tobacco products has been widely discussed in New York City. According to the new legislation the official age limits should be risen from 18 to 21. The example of New York officials was followed by other states of th

Thus, New Jersey authorities are also regarding the new trend. The State Senator Richard Codey stated that this law is directed to prevent the young generation from starting smoking at younger age. His opinion was supported by Christine Quinn, New York City Council Speaker, who added that rising the legal age for buying tobacco products should become not only the regional issue but the issue of the national importance as well.

At present time in most US states the legal age for buying cigarette products is still 18. In few states the limits were risen till 19. The example of New York City was the first attempt to approve the new age limit for purchasing cigarettes - 21. At present time the bill is still pending to be reviewed by Texas legislature.

However, there are negative opinions regarding the new rule of buying tobacco products. For example, Sal Risalvato, executive director of the New Jersey Gasoline-Convenience-Automotive Association consider the decision a stupid one, as it will not contribute to the decrease of smoking, to his mind. He stated that adolescents may use other possibilities to get cigarettes, as for example they "may use false IDs or [ask] someone else to buy their cigarettes."

Sal Risalvato added that among other variants to avoid the new rule online purchasing occupies the leading place. Sal Risalvato is convinced that many smokers will use this variant as one of the most convenient for them in the current situation.