Wilmington City Council passed a resolution Thursday backing an effortin Dover to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products in Delaware from 18 to 21 years old.
The resolution was approved with nine votes ‘yes,’ two votes ‘no’ and two council members absent.
Councilwoman Linda Gray, who was appointed to fill a several-month vacancy in February, was among the two dissenting votes. “I’m going to vote ‘nay’ on this," she said. "I do not agree with cigarette smoking, but I think if you can die for you country, you should be able to buy cigarettes."
Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy presented the legislation for Council President Hanifa Shabazz, who was absent at Thursday’s meeting.
“We would like to give [young people] a little more time to get a little more developed in their decision making before they make the decision to pick up cigarettes,” said McCoy.
McCoy says she plans to introduce a related ordinance soon, which would require Wilmington businesses to put tobacco paraphernalia in the backs of their stores. “I feel as though we are actually encouraging our young people to smoke," she said. "If you have brightly colored pipes and hookahs next to candy, it sends a bad signal."
The billbeing considered in Dover cleared the state Senate last month. It is on the House agenda this week.
In addition to raising the legal age of purchase, the bill would repeal the ability of a parent or guardian to purchase tobacco products for a minor. It would also prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from entering vapor establishments.
Under the bill, 18-year-olds could still legally smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products, but wouldn't be able to lawfully purchase them in the state.
This story has been updated.
