PORTLAND, Maine - A proposal that would raise the minimum legal age to buy tobacco in Portland from 18 to 21 will be heard by city council later this month.
The Portland Press Herald reports that the city council's Health and Human Services Committee moved the proposal forward Tuesday after hearing from a handful of speakers regarding the issue.
The proposal also applies to electronic cigarettes. It does not affect the minimum age to possess or use tobacco, which will remain at 18.
Councilor Edward Suslovic, committee chairman, says the legislation is designed to create a barrier for teens. The Partnership for a Tobacco-Free Maine says one in five Maine high school students use tobacco.
If city council supports the proposal, it will be sent back to the committee for formal consideration and recommendation.