Healdsburg Ordinance to Raise Legal Smoking Age From 18 to 21 Moves Forward

The City of Healdsburg's plan to raise its legal smoking age from 18 to 21 has sparked a polarizing debate.

A second vote on the ordinance is scheduled on Nov. 3. If approved, Healdsburg would be the first California city to raise its smoking age to 21.

"If we can make it a little harder for people to buy cigarettes, we think it will reduce the amount of smoking," Mayor Jim Wood said. "We thought this was a positive way to try and make this a healthier community by keeping young people from smoking."

Healdsburg's city council voted 4 to 1 on Monday to move the proposed ordinance forward. The ordinance calls for anyone purchasing cigarettes, chew and other tobacco products in the city to be at least 21 years old.

"Federal and state has said when you're 18 you're an adult, you can go to work, you can sign contracts," said Gary Plass, the lone council member who voted against the ordinance. "Now we're saying 'you know what, I don't think you can make up your mind about cigarettes.' For me it's education."

Plass also added he is concerned about small businesses that could be hurt financially.

"Are we pushing the issue out of our city limits? Are we hurting our small town, ma and pa vendors?" Plass said.

Residents interviewed Tuesday said 18 year old should be considered an adult, who should have the right to make a decision on purchasing cigarettes.

"We're sending troops out at 18 to fight for our country," resident Stephanie Gray said. "I think having a cigarette at your own leisure, at your own discretion is your own problem -- and 18 is old enough to make that choice I think."

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