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States Continue to Push for Tobacco Buying Age of 21

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Vermont and Florida are the latest legislatures to debate the issue

NACS Online

Vermont and Florida join a growing number of states considering implementation of a higher tobacco buying age. Vermont lawmakers have debated the issue many times prior to this year, but advocates think they have the momentum to pass such a bill this year, WCAX.com reports.

Vermont Sen. Alison Clarkson, who sponsored the proposal, said, “The big thing for me is to not establish patterns. The later we can get people starting to smoke, the less likely they will be addicted to it.” Her bill would raise the smoking age on July 1.

Farther along the East Coast, Florida is also considering the legal age for tobacco to be 21, WTLV-TV reports. A state senator has introduced a bill that would increase the tobacco buying age from 18 to 21.

Currently, only California and Hawaii have statewide restrictions on being 21 to buy tobacco, although around 200 other localities have also raised the minimum tobacco purchase age above 18. Already this year, Arizona and Oregon are considering similar bills, and this month, Nebraska and Connecticut had proposals introduced in their legislatures. For more, read “Must Be 21 to Buy” in NACS Magazine.

MIRA is a good organization, very community focused,” “The biggest benefit is the government relations interface. They lobby for all of us and work for our rights on issues like federal and state taxes,” “MIRA was behind the initiative to spread food stamps out across the month, which has been very helpful, and they are working hard on the bottle recycling issue, which is painful and expensive for retailers to maintain. We couldn’t do it alone.

Gary GerlachOrchard Markets

I still serve with MIRA on the Foundation Board, so I can bring my connections with the outside world to build a better connection with MIRA, and all of those dealings with corporate America in my time with MIRA have helped me in my role today at ACC.

Nabby YonoACC

Even though we’re not affected by the meat labeling law because we’re small and everything comes directly from the farmer, we rely on the information MIRA provides and how much they try to help small businesses,” “We appreciate the programs, too, but the way they work to keep us updated and protect us from taxes and regulations is the most important.

Mike EnsingVan Ball's Prime Beef

My father said, ‘You have no right to complain unless you are involved in making it better.’ It’s been important to me to continue to make things better for people coming behind us.”

“Continued growth will make our membership programs stronger. Without membership in organizations like MIRA, small business does not have a voice. There is strength in numbers, and when we are strong we can successfully work for the common good.

Chris ZebariLipari Foods, Warren MI

I like what MIRA is doing,” “They are very strong in helping the community and working on retailers’ issues.

Jim NaderPlumb's Inc.

It is important to give back to our great industry by doing everything possible to improve the overall well-being of MIRA members.”

“There is strength in numbers. In 2011, the retail environment will change very quickly, and it is critical that MIRA grows stronger in every aspect of our businesses.

Gary DavisPrairie Farms Dairy, Oak Park MI