NEW YORK, April 29 (UPI) -- New York state lawmakers have proposed raising the age to buy cigarettes from 18 to 21 in the state, officials said.
In a bill introduced to the Legislature Friday and announced Sunday, the legal age to buy cigarettes in the state of New York would be hiked from 18 to 21, the New York Daily News reported.
The bill follows a similar measure introduced in New York City. State lawmakers said if the city enacts the bill, there is nothing stopping young people from traveling to neighboring counties where the age required to buy cigarettes is 18.
"Young people will go across the border," said Sen. Diane Savino, D-S.I., who introduced the bill Friday.
New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn introduced the city measure and said she supports the statewide bill.
"If I could prevent one kid, one kid from ever developing that habit, this legislation is worth it," she said.
Meanwhile, Brad Gerstman, of the New York Association of Grocery Stores criticized the state's bill, saying: "I can't believe that the state is now following the City Council on this. It just makes no sense."
