proposing to raise the age from 18 to 21 to purchase tobacco products. Although this is the final draft, committee member Nancy Osmon says the committee may want to make some changes before approving the ordinance or recommending it to the city council.There are several facts presented in the ordinance that could make the proposal a reality. It states a growing number of communities, including the states of Hawaii, Oregon, Maine, New Jersey and California, enacted MLSA (Minimum Legal Sale Age) 21 laws to further restrict access to tobacco. It goes on to say 75 percent of adults favor raising the age, including seven out of ten smokers.
If enacted the law would prohibit the distribution of any tobacco product to a person under the age of 21. This would include electronic cigarettes, wrapping papers and pipes made for smoking tobacco products.
Under the proposal, individuals under the age of 21 who unlawfully purchase, or attempt to purchase tobacco products, may be subject to tobacco-related education classes, or diversion programs, community service, or other penalties.
Those who violate the ordinance would be subject to a fine of no less than $150 and community service of six to eight hours for the first offense; no less than $250 and community service of nine to 17 hours for the second offense; and no less than $500 and 18-20 hours for each subsequent offense.
The meeting will be held at 5:15 Tuesday evening at Mountain Home City Hall.
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