Aspen Bumps Tobacco Age To 21, Is Junction Next?

Aspen has moved the legal minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 effective January 1, 2018. How would such a law fly in Junction?

All forms of tobacco; e-cigs, chew, or a pack of smokes will require that you're 21 to purchase. Aspen is the first city in the state to make the move to 21 and up. No question Aspen is a "progressive" city but is this pushing it too far?

Aspen too is one of the more environmentally friendly cities in Colorado but will this really improve the quality of life in this ski town? Will this prevent young adults from smoking or by making it contraband only push them towards using tobacco?

The City Council says this law is pointed towards the 12 to 17-year-olds in an attempt to prevent them from starting a lifetime addiction. Statistics show that nearly 90% of smokers started before the age of 18. Members believe that the new restriction will benefit the youth of the future.  Aspen claims they'll be forgoing nearly $75,000 in tax revenue for the benefit of their kids.

On the other side of that coin is the idea that you can volunteer for military service but can't buy a pack of smokes? Isn't 18 the accepted age or adulthood? Will this be the start of a trend and which Colorado city will be next to pass the ban?

Credit: westernslopenow.com