Earlier this year, City Councilapproved the ordinance which raises the age of buying tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old.
The "Tobacco 21" initiative is set to take effect on October 1, making San Antonio the first city in Texas to enact such an ordinance.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. San Antoniojoins a movement of more than 340 localities to make this change targeting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, costs tied to smoking total over $20 billion each year when factoring in direct medical expenses, loss of workplace productivity and premature deaths.
How effective are ordinances like Tobacco 21 in curtailing tobacco use for young adults? In what ways could Tobacco 21 disrupt business for local retailers?
How is the city planning to monitor and enforce the new rule?
Guests:
- Colleen Bridger, director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
*Full audio from this interview will be available by 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25
