Highland Park City Council Approves Increase of Minimum Legal Sales Age for Tobacco Products to 21

Posted October 19, 2016 11:00 pm

Lake County Health Department

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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