Approximately 25 students, along with their parents, Pinkston Middle School teacher Keith Newsom and Council Member Nancy Osmon were in attendance for the Mountain Home Public Safety Committee Tuesday evening to hear a decision on an ordinance proposing to raise the age from 18 to 21 to purchase tobacco products.In order for an ordinance to come to a vote by the city council, it must first pass through committee.
According to City Clerk Brian Plumlee, members of the committee, Dave Almond, Wayne Almond, and Eva Frame were also in attendance, with Jennifer Baker absent. They rejected the third reading saying passage of such an ordinance would do very little in stopping the tobacco problem. One of the problems with the proposal, they say, was anyone under the age of 21 could simply drive five minutes in any direction of the city and purchase tobacco at several businesses on the outskirts of town.
Tobacco 21 is an organization focused on passing laws to increase the purchase age of tobacco from 18 to 21. Legislation has been passed in the states of California, Hawaii, Oregon, Maine, and New Jersey increasing the purchase age. Plumlee says other cities that have followed suit are New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Cleveland, Boston, and Kansas City.
Osmon and Newson both made mention of statistics that show a reduction in tobacco use in places where the age of purchase has been changed. Newsom told the committee that underage tobacco is a city problem. Councilman Dave Almond replied to Newsoms statement saying Underage tobacco at the schools is a school problem.
The committee unanimously agreed to take no further action. The committee, while not in favor of the ordinance, did commend the students on their efforts.
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