The first Latino and youngest member of the Berkeley City Council, Jeses Arreguin, a Democrat has proposed to raising smoking age on tobacco to 21. His reasoning is the increase in underage tobacco use, specifically vaping.
The current age in the state is 18, and if the measure passes all forms of tobacco and tobacco products such as vape will be included in the ban. Violators will be subject to a fine and could lose their tobacco licenses.
The Berkeley City Council will consider the proposal at the September 15, 2015 meeting.
Update 9/16: The Berkeley City Council voted to pass the measure which goes into effect on January 1st, 2017
