New York lawmakers considering raising age to purchase cigarettes

NEW YORK (WITI) -- New York lawmakers are considering whether to raise the age of when someone can legally smoke.

A proposal would increase the minimum age on tobacco purchases from 18 to 21.

The idea was presented Monday, April 22nd by the New York City Council Speaker along with the city's Health Commissioner.

Recently, Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed stores keeping cigarettes out of public sight, to avoid children seeing the products.

New York has a ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and other indoor establishments.