Bill may set smoking age at 21

Smokers under the age of 21 may find trouble when they go to buy their next pack of Marlboros. Yesterday, the Philadelphia City Council introduced legislation that would make the purchasing of cigarettes within city limits illegal for anyone under 21. "One of the biggest health hazards and causes of death is smoking," said City Councilperson Happy Fernandez, who is co-sponsoring the bill. "One of the fastest growing groups of smokers is young people." Fernandez cited a study which found that 90 percent of smokers became addicted to tobacco before the age of 21, and 60 percent by the time they are 15. She also stressed the danger to nonsmokers of second-hand smoke. "I think the overall concern is the access that minors have to cigarettes," said Councilperson Michael Nutter. "Many of us are deeply concerned about the accessibility of cigarettes to minors." Many said they are opposed to the bill because they believe a principle much higher than health is involved. "If the legal voting age is 18, then everything should be 18," said Dave Goodman, manager of Harry's Smoke Shop on Third Street. "This is America." Goodman added that even if the bill were enacted, it probably could not be enforced. "These people smoke and they'll get [cigarettes] some place," Goodman said. "It's sort of like a law that is unenforceable. It's an honor system with the cigarette dealers." Others, whose livelihoods are supported by the sale of cigarettes and tobacco, say they will be hurt if the bill passes. "I think it will hurt business," said Norman Winokur, manager of Tobacco Village on the 7300 block of Bustletown Ave. "You have a lot of kinds out there who are buying cigarettes." Retailers and customers alike are opposed to the bill. "I think it's kind of ridiculous," said Management and Technology freshman Stephen Bronstein. "I can't see area stores ID-ing for cigarettes." Other students believe the legislation is unfair. "It's just not right at all," said College freshman Nathaniel Mordo. "Especially since [the legal age] has been 18 for so long." People like Mordo seem to be the main focus of the debate. They can legally buy cigarettes today, but will not be able to if the legislation passes. "[These people] might want to reconsider their habit," said Fernandez. "It is a fair country, and people can do what they want. But we as public officials must do whatever we can do for public health. We can't stop people from smoking, but we can send a message."

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