Denver Moves Forward on Bill to Raise Age to Purchase Tobacco

The city of Denver is moving closer to raising the age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21. The ordnance being purposed would also add a new licensing tax to tobacco stores.

In the Monday city counsel meeting, officials voted to bring the ordnance in for consideration in the next meeting. Many other Colorado cities have already raised the age to 21.

If the ordnance passes it would restrict anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing, consuming, or having tobacco in their possession. It would also require tobacco stores, from gas stations to electronic-cigarette specialty shops to be licensed, including a $250 application fee and a yearly store licensing fee of $500.

Stores selling tobacco products would also be required to be at least 1,000 feet away from daycare centers, schools, and city recreation centers.

SOURCE: KDVR Denver