The bill, co-authored by Assemblyman Paul Koretz, (D-Los Angeles) and Sen. Joe Dunn (D-Garden Grove), is aimed at reducing youth smoking rates.

"This will make California the strictest state in the nation when it comes to letting young people smoke," said Koretz. "These merchants of death are desperate to expand their customer base, but they ought not be able to prey on teenagers to get them addicted."

According to national studies, most people begin smoking before age 18. Those who don't smoke prior to reaching age 21 are less likely to ever start later in life.

"This bill will prevent adolescents getting hooked. It will save lives and significantly reduce healthcare costs," Koretz said.

Although a spokesman for Philip Morris USA said the company would defer to lawmakers on setting the legal smoking age, the legislation is expected to face strong opposition from tobacco companies, retailers, and other business groups.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Ellen M on 24 Mar 08 10:31 PM EDT

How dare the government ask these younger ADULTS to defend our country then tell them they are too young to choose their vices! The average smoking age is about 14 now in 2008 and parents love these laws so much they are buying the cigarettes for the VERY young teenagers. If you stop "restricting" the teens would be making the right choices today. What makes it so appealing is how easy it is to get it while being against the law.

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