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For Immediate Release Date: October 20, 2016 Contact: Leslie Piotrowski (847) 377-8055 Hannah Goering (847) 377-8099
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Highland Park, Ill. – Effective January 1, 2017 individuals must be 21
years of age to purchase tobacco products in the City of Highland Park. On October 10, the Highland Park City Council
approved amendments to their existing tobacco sales ordinance to raise the
minimum legal sales age for tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, from
18 to 21 years old. The ordinance does not restrict tobacco or electronic
cigarette possession by those 18 years or older. Several communities in
Illinois have passed similar ordinances, but the City of Highland Park is the
first in Lake County.
“Smoking is a public health issue. This action is a step forward to help
our youth and young adults avoid addiction to harmful substances. Highland Park
is proud to lead by example in this effort and we hope our neighboring
communities and beyond will join us,” stated Mayor Nancy Rotering. “We
appreciate the partnership with area organizations as we work together to help our
community live safe and healthier lives.”
“The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center commends
the City of Highland Park for leading efforts in prevention and public health.
Raising the minimum legal sales age of tobacco products to 21 is a
profound step in helping to shape positive community norms surrounding youth
substance use and decrease use of tobacco products by youth, including electronic
cigarettes,” stated Mark Pfister, Interim Executive Director for the Lake
County Health Department and Community Health Center. “Thank you for being a
leader in Lake County and setting a positive example for other communities in
Lake County to follow.”
For technical assistance on tobacco policy development or for more
information about tobacco sales restrictions and regulations, please contact
Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center's Tobacco Free
Lake County program at 847-377-8090 or email Danielle Ryan, Community Health
Specialist, at dryan@lakecountyil.gov.
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