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CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE O-1920-65 UPON SECOND AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AMENDING DEFINITIONS FOR THE PURPOSES THEREOF; PROHIBITING THE FURNISHING OF TOBACCO AND VAPOR PRODUCTS TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE, PROHIBITING THE POSSESSION OF TOBACCO AND VAPOR PRODUCTS BY ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE, PROHIBITING THE DISPLAY OR SALE OF TOBACCO OR VAPOR PRODUCTS WHERE SELF-ACCESSIBLE BY ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY THEREOF.
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BACKGROUND: On March 24, 2020, the Norman City Council approved O-1920-46 amending the vaping and tobacco ordinances. At the time Ordinance O-1920-46 was adopted, Council was advised of the possible state law change related to the minimum age to purchase tobacco products. On May 20, 2020, Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. Ordinance O-1920-65 raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products to 21 and brings City ordinances in line with State law.
DISCUSSION: Oklahoma Senate Bill 1423, raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. SB 1423 was approved by Governor Kevin Stitt on May 20, 2020, and took effect from the date of approval. Increasing the minimum age from 18 to 21 will protect our youth from the negative health effects of tobacco use and align us with current federal and state law.
RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of City Staff to approve O-1920-65 raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products to twenty-one (21) years of age.