The Kansas City area is perhaps the newest hotbed for the debate over raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21. Since November, six cities—including both Kansas City, Kan. and Kansas City Mo.—have raised the minimum tobacco purchasing age. At least for now, Gardner won’t be the seventh. On Monday, the Gardner City Council voted 5-0 against raising the minimum tobacco purchasing age. Council members cited personal choice reasons for voting against it. Gardner is located 25 miles southwest of Kansas City. It has a population around 20,000. In addition to the Kansas City proper, the surrounding areas of Gladstone, Independence, Olathe and Prairie Village. The charge is being led by Tobacco 21|KC, an initiative supported by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and local health groups.
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