The California State Senate Health and Human Services Committee
voted 7-2 last month for a bill that would raise the tobacco-buying
age to 21.
That’s bad news.
The state should not take away the personal freedom of young
adults.
There is no doubt smoking is harmful to human health ““ but
countless activities enjoyed by people of all ages carry
significant risks.
It is not even clear that the bill would actually reduce
smoking. Much like alcohol laws, a stricter smoking law might
simply criminalize an activity that occurs regardless of the letter
of the law.
If the bill is passed, one thing is clear ““ so-called
18-year-old adults could still fight and die in war, pay taxes,
vote and play the lotto. But if they hit the jackpot, they would
not be allowed to purchase a celebratory cigar.
The proponents of this bill probably sponsored it hoping to gain
points in an increasingly moralistic political climate. If their
colleagues in the state Legislature are smart, they will reject the
bill as an infringement on personal freedom and an insult to all
young adults.