New York raises minimum age to buy cigarettes to 21 - New York raised the minimum ag- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

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New York raised the minimum age to buy cigarettes to 21 on Sunday, in its latest initiative to encourage healthier behavior among residents.

In This Pic : New York raises minimum age to buy cigarettes

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The law, signed November 19 shortly before former mayor Michael Bloomberg finished his second term, had a six-month waiting period before it came into effect — but its impact can already be clearly felt.

In This Pic : New York raises minimum age to buy cigarettes

Pic Courtesy : Getty Images

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"Under 21, no tobacco," warned a small sign at the entrance of a small shop that sells smokes, newspapers, candy, coffee and cakes, in the Nolita neighborhood (North of Little Italy).

In This Pic : New York raises minimum age to buy cigarettes

Pic Courtesy : Getty Images

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No tobacco, either, for anyone who can't present a valid ID proving their age. Shopkeeper scan IDs to test their authenticity before handing over the box of cigarettes.

In This Pic : New York raises minimum age to buy cigarettes

Pic Courtesy : Getty Images

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The measure — unprecedented among America's big cities — raises the legal age to buy cigarettes from 18. It also applies to other forms of tobacco and to e-cigarettes.

In This Pic : New York raises minimum age to buy cigarettes

Pic Courtesy : Getty Images