Tucson raises minimum age for tobacco products and e-cigs

Tucson will raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21.

The City Council approved the change by a vote of 6 to 1. The new ordinance takes effect January 1, 2020.

Tucson becomes the fifth in the state to adopt such a statute.

The measure includes a 90-day educational period. After that the city’s business services and code enforcement departments will handle enforcement.

First-time violators will earn a $500 fine. Penalty amounts will increase with subsequent violations.

KYMA 2019