With the stroke of midnight, Hawaii became the first state in the country to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products and nicotine delivery devices to 21-years-old. The change, which was approved by the state legislature in April and signed into law by Gov. David Ige in June went into effect today and carries with it fines for both seller and purchaser. Anyone under 21 caught buying tobacco or electronic cigarettes would be subject to a $10 fine for the first offense, with each subsequent offense carrying a $50 fine or community service. For retailers, the fines are much bigger, starting at $500 for the first offense and then $500 to $2,000 for each violation thereafter. New Jersey is the next in line to pass a statewide age increase, as legislation has been approved by the State Senate and is currently making its way to the State Assembly floor.
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