Singer: Bill Makes it Harder for Teens to Purchase Tobacco Products

January 26, 2009

Contact: John Gorman / (609) 292-5199
Senator Robert W. Singer (R-30)

Clears Senate Health Committee

Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) that would make it more difficult for people under the age of 19 to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products was passed by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today. Senate bill 217 would update current law to require that tobacco products shipped via mail be clearly marked to show that the package contains tobacco products; and the purchaser must be the recipient, at least 19 years old and must sign for the package.

“There has been great effort to prevent teens from purchasing cigarettes in convenience stores, grocery stores and other face-to-face environments, ” Singer stated. “However with the advancement of technology teens have avoided purchasing cigarettes in person and have instead turned to the internet. This legislation ensures that adults are purchasing these cigarettes online and not teens using the name of their parents or someone else who is of legal age.”

“This legislation will also require more reporting from the seller which will hopefully allow the state to generate some additional much needed revenue, ” Singer continued.

Under the proposed law, any tobacco product sold or attempted to be sold that violated the previously mentioned provisions would be subject to forfeiture and may be seized by the state or any law enforcement officer.

“Cancer, emphysema, asthma, gum disease and the other health consequences of smoking are documented and well known, ” Singer continued. “Protecting our children from the death and disease caused by tobacco use is clear and this legislation helps achieve that goal.”