City Comes Under Fire For Raising Tobacco Age From 18 To 21

HEALDSBURG, Calif. (AP) -- A Northern California city's decision to raise the minimum age to purchase cigarettes is coming under fire from the tobacco industry.

Healdsburg last year became the first city in California to ban the sale of tobacco to anyone under the age of 21. The state-established minimum age is 18.

The Press Democrat of Santa Rosa reports that the city has received a letter from lawyers for the National Association of Tobacco Outlets. The group's executive director, Thomas Briant, says 18-year-olds can vote and get married, so they should be able purchase a product that is presumed to be for adults. He also says state law supersedes Healdsburg's minimum age.

Mayor Shaun McCaffery says the city is seeking expert advice.