KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kearney leaders on Monday voted to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco and vaping-related products to 21.
Mayor Randy Pogue cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of the amended ordinance, known as “Tobacco 21,” after the Board of Aldermen deadlocked on a 2-2 vote, according to a city spokesperson.
The amended ordinance makes it illegal to sell or distribute tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to anyone under 21 years old. It also raises the age to purchase or possess tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21.
William Nicely, superintendent of the Kearney School District, submitted a letter to the mayor in September, advocating for the change.
“As a district, our top priority will always be the well-being of our 3,600 students, and this public policy promises to make a significant positive impact on the health of our youth,” Nicely wrote in the letter.
Kearney joins several other cities in the metro to pass a Tobacco 21 ordinance, including Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, along with Overland Park, Olathe, Independence and Lee’s Summit.
