N.J. could increase legal tobacco-buying age to 19
12/06/05
The legal age to buy cigarettes could rise from 18 to 19 in New Jersey under a measure released by the state Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee Monday.
The legislation now moves to Assembly Speaker Albio Sires, who will decide if and when to post it for a floor vote. If the change is adopted, New Jersey would become the fourth state, joining Alabama, Alaska, and Utah, to increase its tobacco purchasing age to 19.
The legislation would also extend civil liability to the store clerk or employee who sold a tobacco product to anyone under 19. Under current law, only the owner of the store where the product is sold may be held liable.
The measure is sponsored by Democratic Assemblymen John McKeon, Joe Cryan, Anthony Chiappone, and Upendra Chivukula.
Cigarettes
