Manhattan
Let's Get Social!


Westchester Increases Age to Buy Tobacco, Vaping Products to 21

Westchester Increases Age to Buy Tobacco, Vaping Products to 21

The new law is expected to take effect in 60 days.


Legislators in Westchester county voted to raise the age to buy tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21, according to the Daily Voice. Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, rolling papers, and other smoking paraphernalia will be affected by the new law.

The County Board of Legislators voted 16-1 to increase the minimum age to tobacco and vaping products—only John Testa (R-Peekskill, Cortlandt and Yorktown) voted no. Lawmakers say the new law will reduce the number of new smokers, deter teens from using vaping products, and ultimately decrease the amount of young people addicted to nicotine.

The new measure was signed into law by county executive George Latimer on June 6. It will go into effect 60 days from the date it was enacted.



Though the statewide age to buy tobacco and vaping products is 18, municipalities can choose to increase the age. New York City and several other counties (Cattaraugus, Schenectady, Onondaga, Rockland, and Suffolk) have already increased the age to 21.

“I’m grateful that Westchester County has joined other nearby counties and New York City in increasing the age to purchase tobacco products to 21, which will greatly diminish access to these products among younger people. The research is very clear and compelling: The later a person is exposed to using tobacco and nicotine products, the less likely they are to become addicted. This will have a great, positive impact on individual and public health outcomes,” said Catherine Borgia (D-Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Ossining, Peekskill).

More News Articles:

Goldfish Swim School to Open in Stamford this Spring

Goldfish Swim School—an aquatic facility offering year-round indoor swim classes for kids—is opening a Stamford location in the Spring.


Latest News:

What Is Open in NYC on Christmas Day?

Christmas day is a wonderful time to explore the attractions of the New York City area. Here's what is open in NYC on Christmas day this year.


Family Activities:



Have a Laugh:

Best Memes of the Week for Parents

Here are the funniest parenting memes from Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit this week.
Brigitt Earley

Author: Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer and editor based in NJ. She’s a new mom to a baby boy, runs an Instagram account full of the most delicious food she can find (@literallyallthefood), and loves to hate a good barre class. See More

Featured Listings:

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin

New York, NY Manhattan Mandarin started with two brothers tutoring Mandarin house-to-house in New York City. Thanks to our amazing students and team of great teac...

Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camp

Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camp

Chelsea Piers Summer Camp in Chelsea and NOW Brooklyn, offers both Preschool and Full-Day camps where children can learn, play and have fun. With flex...

The Inn at East Hill Farm

The Inn at East Hill Farm

Troy, New Hampshire, NH The Inn at East Hill Farm is a working farm stay that offers year-round activities to keep your family busy from morning until night. Located in the h...