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KC to Vote on Measure to Bar Tobacco Sales to those Under 21

A report says one in four US high schoolers smoke first cigarettes before turning 18.
Sudipto Sarkar
/
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A report says one in four US high schoolers smoke first cigarettes before turning 18.

Kansas City Council members are expected to approve an ordinance prohibiting stores from selling tobacco products or e-cigarettes to anyone under 21.

The council's Public Safety Committee voted 3-0 on Wednesday in favor of the change after supporters said most addicted smokers get hooked before they turn 21. The full council is scheduled to vote on the measure Thursday.

The Kansas City Star reports the Greater Kansas City chamber of Commerce is leading a campaign to get the entire metropolitan area to raise the legal age.

In Kansas City the violation would apply to the seller, rather than the purchaser, with a $100 fine for a first violation.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, is expected to vote on a similar measure Thursday night.

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