Lane County hikes tobacco age to 21

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Commissioners in Lane County have increased the legal age for using and buying tobacco products to 21.

The county, which includes Eugene, is the first county in the state to raise the age limit from 18. The Register-Guard reports (https://is.gd/r9WthS ) the ordinance was approved Tuesday by a 3-2 vote and applies countywide starting April 13.

California and Hawaii have statewide laws setting the minimum age for tobacco purchase or use at 21, and Oregon lawmakers are considering it.