St. Louis County, Mo. took a big step towards raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products on Tuesday night, as the county council approved the first reading of the proposal by a 5-0 vote with one abstention. The proposal to increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco products and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21-years-old was announced last week, as St. Louis County Councilman Dr. Sam Page, an anesthesiologist and professor, said that he would present the ordinance to the council at last night’s meeting. Fox 2 News reports that a total of 33 residents addressed the council about the increase, 19 speaking in favor and 14 speaking against the proposal. The bill will get a second reading and vote on Sept. 6. If approved at that meeting, it goes to the county executive for his signature, and if signed, the increase would go into effect on Dec. 1.
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