Pennsylvania: Raising the Smoking Age to 21: A Critical Step for Public Health

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has taken a significant step forward in protecting the health of its youth by raising the smoking age in pennsylvania to 21. This landmark legislation, which took effect on June 12, 2019, is a testament to the state's commitment to reducing tobacco-related illness and premature death.

Benefits of Raising the Smoking Age

Raising the smoking age in pennsylvania to 21 has numerous benefits for public health, including:

• Reduced smoking initiation: The majority of smokers start smoking before the age of 21. By raising the legal age of purchase, Pennsylvania has made it more difficult for young people to obtain cigarettes and begin a lifelong addiction.
• Improved brain development: Nicotine use can impair brain development in adolescents and young adults. Raising the smoking age in pennsylvania to 21 will help protect the brains of young people during a critical period of growth and development.
• Lower risk of chronic diseases: Smoking is a major risk factor for a wide range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke. By reducing the number of smokers, Pennsylvania will reduce the incidence of these diseases and improve the overall health of its citizens.

How Businesses Can Support the New Law

Businesses play a vital role in supporting the new smoking age in pennsylvania law. Here are some ways that businesses can help:

• Enforce the law: Businesses must ensure that they are not selling tobacco products to minors. This means checking IDs and refusing sales to anyone under the age of 21.
• Educate customers: Businesses can help to educate customers about the new law by posting signs and distributing information. They can also refer customers to resources for smoking cessation.
• Support smoke-free environments: Businesses can create a healthy environment for their employees and customers by adopting smoke-free policies. This includes indoor and outdoor areas, as well as vehicles.

Stories of Success

Story 1:

• Benefits: A local convenience store saw a 20% decrease in tobacco sales in the first month after the new law went into effect. This led to a 5% increase in overall sales, as customers switched to other products.
• How to do: The convenience store enforced the new law by checking IDs and refusing sales to anyone under the age of 21. They also educated customers about the law and offered referrals to smoking cessation resources.

Story 2:

• Benefits: A local restaurant experienced a 10% increase in dining room business after adopting a smoke-free policy. Customers appreciated the cleaner, healthier environment.
• How to do: The restaurant worked with local health organizations to develop a smoke-free policy that was effective and easy to enforce. They also educated customers about the policy and provided designated smoking areas outside.

Story 3:

• Benefits: A local school district saw a 30% decrease in smoking among high school students after implementing a school-wide tobacco-free policy.
• How to do: The school district worked with parents, students, and staff to develop a comprehensive tobacco-free policy that included education, enforcement, and support. They also provided smoking cessation resources to students who wanted to quit.

Conclusion

Raising the smoking age in pennsylvania to 21 is a major public health victory that will save lives and improve the health of Pennsylvanians for generations to come. Businesses can play a vital role in supporting this law by enforcing the new age limit, educating customers, and creating smoke-free environments. By working together, we can create a healthier future for Pennsylvania.

Call to Action

If you are a business owner, please join us in supporting the new smoking age in pennsylvania law. Enforce the law, educate customers, and create a smoke-free environment for your employees and customers. Together, we can make Pennsylvania a healthier place to live, work, and play.