Watch CBS News

New Jersey Bill Would Raise Smoking Age To 21

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Lawmakers are again considering a bill to raise the smoking age from 19 to 21 in New Jersey.

An Assembly committee is scheduled to weigh in on the legislation Monday, a little more than a month after Republican Gov. Chris Christie pocket vetoed the measure.

The bill would fine retailers up to $1,000 if they sell to anyone 20 years old or younger, but would not punish underage smokers.

WCBS 880's Peter Haskell spoke to Bergen County residents who supported the bill.

"I think that, basically, it's a good idea," David Waller, who started smoking when he was 14 but has quit, told WCBS 880. "Because I think people should be older before they make a decision that could be so detrimental to their health."

"They gotta be at least 21 years old to know that it's right for them," Joarina Grullon said. "They really want that inside their bodies? Then that's okay."

However, a 15-year-old told WCBS 880 that the current age limit is fine.

New Jersey would be the second state behind Hawaii to raise the smoking age to 21.

Several other states have proposed similar measures, and the smoking age has already been raised to 21 in New York City.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.