TOWNSHIP MOVES CLOSER TO 21 CIGARETTE BUYING AGE

The Township Committee moved closer to raising the age to purchase tobacco in town from 19 to 21 on Tuesday night, directing Township Attorney Roger Desiderio to create an ordinance that would do so.

All five TC members agreed that the ordinance should be drafted and considered at the next meeting in May. That is a change from February when the TC first discussed the idea and members Greg Lembrich and Nancy Adams were hesitant. They said Tuesday they had changed their minds.

See some of their comments below:



Currently, the statewide age for tobacco product purchases is 19, but several communities have raised it to 21. 

Mayor Deluca said he had discussed the idea with the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce, which had no objection to raising the age that would affect cigarettes, cigars, other tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

None of the TC members were swayed by a letter submitted from the New Jersey Food Council and read by Deluca that claimed the higher age would hurt local retailers. 

"We respectfully request that you reconsider drafting this ordinance," the letter said, in part, later adding, "in addition to the direct revenue loss, this restriction would impact ancillary sales from customers who purchase additional items when they purchase tobacco products."

An ordinance is likely to be considered at either the May 3 or 17 TC meeting.