MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) - In an April 14 story about tobacco sales restrictions, The Associated Press erroneously reported that Suffolk County was the first municipality in the country to raise the age limit to 21 for buyers of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. Other communities previously adopted similar restrictions, including New York City.
A corrected version of the story is below:
NY county raises limit on tobacco, e-cigs to 21
Suburban NY county raises age limit on tobacco, e-cigs to 21 starting next year
Officials on eastern Long Island are raising the age limit for purchasing tobacco products - and electronic cigarettes - to 21.
New York City last year also passed a law raising the age limit to 21. Several communities and states around the country are considering doing the same.
A county legislator who is also a pediatric surgeon sponsored the bill. William Spencer says it will save lives.
The law being signed Monday by County Executive Steve Bellone goes into effect Jan. 1.
Businesses that sell tobacco to customers younger than 21 face fines of $1,000 or more.
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