A proposal to raise the age to buy tobacco products in Monroe County did not make it out of committee at a county legislature meeting on Monday.
That proposal by Democratic legislator LaShay Harris lost in a 3 to 2 vote along party lines in the Agenda/Charter committee.
Several organizations spoke, including the American Heart Association, speaking in support of the measure, and the New York State Vapor Association, which was opposed.
A chief concern of political opponents: No other counties in the area have a similar bill. Lawmakers say they believe teens would just cross county lines to make their purchases, taking their other business with them.
Those in favor of the measure argued the bill would save lives by making it harder for teens to obtain and become addicted to tobacco products.
Caitlin O’Brien, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, says while the rates of adult smoking have gone down, young people smoking is skyrocketing due to the popularity of e-cigarettes.
She says they know most young people get cigarettes and tobacco products from slightly older friends, but if the county raises the age, that would be less likely to happen.
Opponents of the measure say that no other nearby counties have a similar bill, and they believe that teens would just cross county lines to make purchases.
Across the state, proponents of the measure say 22 localities have legislation to raise the age for buying tobacco products.
A proposed statewide measure in the state legislature was not heard before the session ended last week.
