U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, joined a bipartisan effort recently to pass the Tobacco to 21 Act, which would prohibit the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under 21 nationwide.
Romney stated that “What we know is that tobacco damages the human body. What we know is tobacco kills people.”
Another sponsor of the bill, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said that about 95 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21. Schatz told reporters that tobacco use, according to the CDC, among high school and middle school students rose 36 percent from 2017 to 2018, largely due to vaping.
Some states, including Utah, have already begun to raise the legal limit to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The legal age in Wyoming remains at 21.
During the Weekday Wake-up on Swift 98.7 FM and The Spur, Duke & Dahl asked listeners their opinions on the legislation. Do you support or not support the age increase to legally purchase tobacco products? Here are their responses.
Apposed to Age Increase
“I’m against Tobacco in every sense. It’s nasty. But I’m also against the government getting more and more involved in the decisions of adults.”
“I’m against it. I’m tired of telling minors no to buy it for them.”
“I struggle with this topic. While I am totally opposed to smoking and vaping, I don’t know that it makes much sense to make laws prohibiting substances from someone who is legally old enough to serve In Our military and participate in all other aspects of adult life.”
In Favor of Age Increase
“I don’t often agree with mitt Romney lately but on this one I do I think it can affect them for life.”
“Yes it need to be raised to 21. Kids that are 18 are helping there friends younger get there hands on what ever they want.”
“Yes for sure! The younger the stupider.”
“Yes.”
“I would propose the age of 31. Probably by then most people would realize how bad it is.”
“I think raising the age to 21 is a good idea.”
“Totally support!!”
“I support the age increase. It won’t happen however, that increase in usage has infused a huge amount of money into the tobacco and e-cig industry. As we know, money directly translates into influence and power in Washington DC. So, no national legislation will be passed.”
“ABSOLUTELY!!!!”
