http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/08/09/ann-arbor-tobacco-cigarettes-age/88464584/
In a move that has been lauded by some and criticized by others, Ann Arbor became the first Michigan city last week to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.
The Ann Arbor City Council approved the ordinance to raise the minimum age last Thursday in a 9-1 vote, which was in support of Tobacco 21 — a national movement that has gained traction across the country. The amended ordinance becomes effective Jan. 1.
The ordinance is the latest crackdown against tobacco users in the state. Although Ann Arbor is the first city to enact an ordinance banning tobacco purchases for those under the age of 21, similar moves have been made on college campuses across the state.
Last year, Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees approved a tobacco-free ordinance that goes into effect in just a few days on Aug.15.
MSU’s ban includes the entire spectrum of tobacco products; from cigarettes and chewable tobacco to vaporizers, E-cigarettes and hookahs. It also prohibits tobacco use in buildings, on the lawns and sidewalks, even in personal vehicles on MSU property, according to the university.
Local supporters of Tobacco 21, including Washtenaw County Public Health and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, have stated they believe raising the legal purchase age will help prevent early tobacco addiction and adverse health effects.
According to a news release from the City of Ann Arbor, tobacco use among youths “continues to be a significant public health concern.” The city said 9.2% of Washtenaw County high school students reported that they had smoked a cigarette.
The ordinance also repeals the penalties for underage possession of tobacco products and instead limits violations and penalties to retailers.
“The passage of this ordinance demonstrates the Ann Arbor City Council’s commitment to the health and well-being of the community,” said Michael Miller, regional chief mission officer of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in a statement. “I look forward to other Michigan municipalities following the council’s courageous leadership.”
But not everyone was happy with the move.
More than 50 gas station and convenience store owners signed a petition opposing the move, saying it unfairly targets business owners and makes it hard for them to compete against businesses in neighboring communities with no similar age restriction.
“We should be allowed to offer legal tobacco products to our adult customers,” the petition said. “Raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21 is unnecessary given efforts by responsible retailers to prevent underage individuals from buying tobacco products. The majority of individuals under age 18 obtain tobacco products from ‘social sources’ and not from law-abiding retailers.”
State Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor, wrote a letter in support of the ordinance, saying it was a “worthwhile public health and economic goal for our state.”
“As a lifelong resident of our community and someone whose family has a generational history of heart-related health problems, I am particularly proud that Ann Arbor is willing to take this commonsense, progressive step toward becoming the first locality in Michigan to adopt a Tobacco 21 policy,” Zemke wrote. “I only hope other jurisdictions will see the many benefits of this life-saving policy and do the same.”
Eastern Michigan University also went tobacco-free in 2014, banning smoking and the use of tobacco products in or on all university-owned, operated or leased buildings and facilities, including vehicles.