St. Louis County has officially joined the movement to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products and e-cigarettes, as the county’s council approved an increase on Tuesday night by a 5-1 vote. While the increase doesn’t affect the city of St. Louis, Mayor Francis Slay has already said that he would like to see the city pursue a similar increase: If T21 passes in the county, I would like the city to follow suit. #fgs — MayorSlay.com (@MayorSlay) August 24, 2016 It’s true. I favor smoke-free public spaces, higher tobacco taxes, and a higher minimum age for purchasers. #fgs — MayorSlay.com (@MayorSlay) August 25, 2016 The increase still must go to St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger for his signature before it can go into effect on December 1. Penalties for violators will remain the same, starting at not more than $150 for the first such conviction, not more than $250 for the second such conviction and $500 for any subsequent conviction. Update (Sept. 19, 2016) — St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger signed the bill today. This article was originally published on Sept. 7, 2016.
↧