New Jersey lawmakers now want to raise the legal smoking age from 19 to 21.
Lawmakers passed a bill that would fine retailers up to $1,000 for selling tobacco products, which includes electronic cigarettes, to people under the age of 21.
It now goes to Gov. Christie for consideration.
In 2006, New Jersey raised the legal smoking age from 18 to 19.
“Not one person will stop smoking,” said Sal Risalvato, director of the New Jersey Gasoline, Convenience Store and Automotive Association, which opposes the move.
Hawaii raised the legal age to smoke to 21 last year. S
Several other states are actively considering changes.
The bill would cost the state $18.8 million per year in tax revenues, according to the Office of Legislative Services.
The state estimates that people ages 19 and 20 buy about 8.2 million packs of cigarettes every year in New Jersey.
Groups like the American Legion have opposed anti-tobacco bills, adding that if 18-year-olds can serve in the military, they should be able to smoke.
