Akron City Council passed legislation Monday that will increase the age for tobacco sales from 18 to 21.
The city of Akron is not alone in this policy change. The movement now being referred to as "Tobacco 21" has been adopted by 290 cities and counties across 19 states.
Cleveland and Columbus have also passed similar legislation.
In addition to the support from other council members Monday evening, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan also believes it was the right decision.
“I’m proud that, tonight, Akron City Council joined me in choosing a healthier future for our next generation,” Mayor Horrigan said. “While I respect opinions on all sides of this issue, I know this legislation puts Akron on the right side of history.”
“This legislation will help delay or prevent our next generation of young adults from experiencing the harmful effects of tobacco use and addiction, including premature birth and infant mortality, by making it more difficult for them to start a deadly habit,” Mayor Horrigan continued.
The city of Akron's legislation was formed from the research of Tamiyka Rose, the City’s Health Equity Ambassador. She is credited with developing ways to reduce the city's infant mortality rate.
“In looking at effective strategies to reduce infant mortality, smoking by young, expectant mothers was a key risk factor we needed to target,” Rose said of the initiative. “Looking at the data, it was clear that increasing the tobacco sales age to 21 could meaningfully reduce infant mortality rates and improve lifelong health outcomes for today’s youth.”