Senate passes bill to raise age to buy smokes

TRENTON (AP) — New Jersey might become the first state in the nation to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to 21.

The state Senate on Monday passed a bill that would raise the minimum age. The measure awaits action in the Assembly.

The current age in New Jersey, three other states and the District of Columbia is 19. New York City prohibits the sale to anyone under age 21.

State. Sen. Richard Codey says raising the minimum age will prevent children from buying tobacco products and becoming regular smokers.

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