Gov. Christie Vetoes Bill To Raise Smoking Age in New Jersey

According to CBS Philly, Gov. Chris Christie has decided to not take action on a bill that would have increased New Jersey's smoking age to 21, leaving the age at 19.

If the bill was passed, it would have fined retailers up to $1,000 if they sold any type of tobacco products, including 'vapes', to anyone 20-years-old or younger. But, those underage smoke would go unpunished.

Christie's lack of inaction is somewhat of a surprise considering that while campaigning for president, he gave a speech speaking out about his mother's addiction to nicotine. His mother was eventually diagnosed with cancer, but his speech has gotten over 8 million views.

Then again, in 2014 Christie vetoes a bill to extend a smoking ban to parks and public beaches, because local government should make that decision.

Advocates had hoped New Jersey would be the 'tipping point' for a policy that has already taken place in Hawaii, New York City and Boston. Or, at least reduce the amount of smokers under the age of 20.

Source: CBS Philly