San Antonio CIty Council this week will take the first steps toward raisingthe minimum age to buy cigarettes from 18 to 21 News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
What is called the 'Tobacco 21 Initiative' is being pushed by the Metro Health District, after the Texas Legislature rejected a similar effort statewide earlier this year.
"Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the U.S.," Metro Health said. "National data show 95% of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21."
In fact, the vast majority of those who smoke take up the habit between the ages of 15 and 17. At that age, those individuals are highly likely to have a close friend who is 18, who can legally get cigarettes for them, which is by far the most common way for underage smokers to get smokes.
But officials say the chances of a 15 year old having a close friend who is 21 is far less likely.
"Increasing the tobacco age of 21 would reduce the likelihood that a high school students will be able to legally purchase tobacco products for other students and underage friends," Metro Health says in its proposal.
This is not an unsual proposal. More than 25% of all Americans are already covered by the more than 250 municipalities and five states which have already enacted 'Tobacco 21' measures.
Nearly 13% of males and 10% of females who are in high school today in San Antonio are regular cigarette smokers, and, for the first time in decades, the overall nicotine and tobacco use rate is increasing among teenagers nationwide.
The law would also cover the sale of e-cigarettes, hookahs, and vaping items.