Title
Ordinance amending Chapter 177 of the Lake County Code of Ordinances - Tobacco Regulations.
Staff Summary
* Tobacco use continues to be the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States.
* Each year in Illinois, it is estimated that 6,300 youth become new daily smokers.
* In recognition of this, the proposed ordinance revisions include increasing the legal age for the purchase of tobacco products to 21 and expanding the definition of Tobacco Product to include electronic smoking devices.
* Increasing the legal age is an effective policy to prevent youth from starting tobacco use, as it increases the social distance between those who can purchase tobacco products and those still in secondary school.
* Research determined that tobacco addiction is affected not only by how much a person smokes, but by when they start.
Body
ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board adopted the Lake County Tobacco Ordinance on November 14, 2000; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board incorporated the Lake County Tobacco Ordinance into the Lake County Code of Ordinances in Chapter 177 on February 10, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Health Department is authorized to enforce specific sections of this Chapter; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Health Department is proposing amendments to this Chapter that would incorporate "Tobacco 21" provisions by raising the age of sale of tobacco products to 21; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Health Department is proposing amendments to this Chapter that would revise the definition of tobacco products to include electronic smoking devices and any component or accessory used in the consumption of a tobacco product; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments will enhance the Lake County Health Department's efforts to stop youth from starting to use tobacco products and will protect the health and safety of the residents of Lake County; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board of Health approved the proposed amendment...
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