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Proposal To Raise Tobacco Buying Age To 21 Sparks Debate

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The Gardner City Council unanimously rejected a proposal to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco to 21. (Alex Smith/KCUR)
The Gardner City Council unanimously rejected a proposal to raise the legal age for purchasing tobacco to 21. (Alex Smith/KCUR)

Most long-term smokers start as teenagers, and anti-smoking advocates are trying to stop them before they start. Taking their cue from a national campaign, a coalition of business and health leaders in Kansas launched a campaign last year to raise the tobacco buying age. So far, more than half a dozen cities have adopted the higher age. But last week, leaders of Gardner, Kansas said no. From Here & Now contributor KCUR, health reporter Alex Smith reports.

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This segment aired on April 22, 2016.

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