TUCSON — On Tuesday, the Pima County Supervisors rejected a proposal to raise the legal age to buy nicotine products to 21 in a 3-2 vote.
Supervisors Ally Miller, Sharon Bronson and Steve Christy opposed the final version of the ordinance.
The measure was also opposed by various health organizations, like the American Cancer Society, due to the fact that it had been watered-down.
Still others, like Supervisor Miller, objected to the ordinance due to the fact that it would create a patchwork of ordinances in the state causing confusion for consumers and retailers. Miller suggested that the issue should be addressed on the state or federal level.
Supervisor Bronson questioned why 18 year-olds can vote and join the military but cannot buy tobacco products. Supervisor Elias responded to Bronson that 18 year-olds cannot buy liquor either.
Supporters of the ordinance had also pushed a twin ordinance for adoption by the City of Tucson.