Gov. Pritzker J. signs bill raising smoking age to 21 statewide



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Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill Sunday that will raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 21 statewide.

"For Illinois, it will reduce costs for our state, it will make our schools and communities healthier places to learn and live, and – most importantly – it will save lives," Pritzker said in a statement.

Public health advocates have been trying to get away from the law in the United States. Lawmakers approved the bill last month for the second time years after then-Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed an earlier version last year.

When does the law take effect? ​​California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Virginia.

Chicago saw 36 percent decline in cigarette and e-cigarette use among 18- to 20-year-olds after age-related mortality in 2016, according to a 2017 Chicago Department of Public Health survey.

In addition to Chicago, 34 other localities in Illinois have adopted the laws of the United States.

Pritzker signed the bill, signed the bill. Businesses, however, will still face fines and other penalties for selling to people under 21.

While the bill passes the legislature by wide margins with bipartisan support, it is likely that it will hurt businesses and drive the market.

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