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New minimum age to buy tobacco products approved in Kansas City

A Kansas City Council committee approved three anti-smoking measures on Wednesday. CREDIT MARIUS MELLEBYE / CREATIVE COMMONS-FLICKR
A Kansas City Council committee approved three anti-smoking measures on Wednesday.
CREDIT MARIUS MELLEBYE / CREATIVE COMMONS-FLICKR

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Officials on both sides of the Kansas City state line have approved ordinances raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products and alternative nicotine items to 21.

Kansas City, Missouri Council members on Thursday approved the measure on an 11-1 vote. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County.

Kansas City, Kansas approved a similar measure on a 6-1 vote Thursday night.

Supporters say raising the legal age to 21 will make it harder for younger smokers — including 18-year-olds who are still in high school — to obtain tobacco products and provide them to younger friends and relatives.

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is leading the effort to have the ordinance passed in all cities in the metropolitan area.

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