Elgin To Consider Raising Minimum Age To Buy Tobacco

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ELGIN, Ill. (AP) -- A Chicago suburb will consider raising the minimum age to buy tobacco and nicotine products following a letter from a 9-year-old requesting the mayor help people stop smoking.

The Courier-News reports that the Elgin City Council will consider raising the minimum age from 18 to 21 on Wednesday.

Mayor Dave Kaptain says he initiated the directive after receiving the girl's letter and following the city's Board of Health agreeing that the age should be raised.

If the City Council moves the measure forward, it would be up for a final vote on July 25.

Carolyn Cerf is the government relations director for the American Heart Association. She says if the rule goes into effect, Elgin would join 26 towns across Illinois with similar age restrictions.