Arizona could be the third state in the country to raise the legal age to buy tobacco to 21.
The House of Representatives Health Committee passed a proposed bill 7 to 2 Thursday morning that would raise the legal age for purchasing or possessing tobacco products and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21.
Some people don't this bill will be effective.
"I personally don't think it would help. I think people are going to find a way to some either way just like they find a way to get away with drinking," said Samantha Stanton, who used to smoke for two years.
Arizona lawmakers are considering raising the age limit to buy #tobacco products and e-cigarettes to 21 @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/KoaFRgurdT
— Priscilla KGUN9 (@PriscillaCasper) February 2, 2017
"Everybody knows cigarettes cause cancer and everybody knows the dangers of doing them so you know a person who is 18 has the right to decide what they want to do and I think lawmakers shouldn't change anything," said Dustin Thomas, a smoker.
One local business owner says if this passes, he predicts his sales will drop 25% and teens will find a way around it.
"It is going to be hard for those people who are under 21 to get the cigarettes, but eventually, they will get it and somehow they will send their friends, their fathers, and their mothers to buy cigarettes," said Afeef Aljarrah, owner of Havana Smoke and Tobacco Shop.
The proposed bill will go to the Commerce Committee to vote next.
