Backers are urging state lawmakers to increase the tobacco-buying age to 21 in all of Minnesota, after the state’s 40th community — Benton County — approved it last week. Laura Smith with Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation says, “Minnesota has far more Tobacco 21 communities than any other state that lacks a statewide policy, so we really hope that that will show that there’s the political will across the state.”
A “Tobacco 21” bill passed the Minnesota House last legislative session but did not survive budget negotiations with the Senate. Smith says 16 states have passed “Tobacco 21” laws.