‘Legislature needs to first amend the smoking law’

The legal age to buy tobacco has officially been raised from 18 to 21 but it may take some time before the federal law could be enforced in the CNMI, according to Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco Control division director David R. Maratita.

“This mandate [has] yet to apply in the CNMI. The enforcement of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping products, still remains at 18 years old or older, until such time the Legislature amends the CNMI Tobacco Control Act to be consistent with the federal mandate,” he said to Saipan Tribune.

So far, while there’s been no major public reaction to the change, Maratita said there have been inquiries from the business community with regards to the local tobacco law and whether it will take effect after President Donald J. Trump signs the bill into law.

He, however, said while enforcing the new law is a federal mandate, many in the local and stateside levels are already following suit in changing their legal age requirement from 18 to 21 years old in the sale, purchase, and consumption of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping products.

“With regards as to when the change will take effect? It will depend on how soon the Legislature implements the amendment,” he added.

Once the Legislature amends the CNMI Tobacco Control Act, Maratita assured that his department will enforce the law. “The CNMI Department of Commerce, ABTC Division stands ready to promulgate the new tobacco control regulations to be consistent with the anticipated amendment of the local CNMI tobacco control laws, in accordance with the new federal mandate.”

Press secretary Kevin Bautista said the Office of the Governor is aware of the new federal law and will review it and see how it will be applied to the Commonwealth.

“The administration will be ready to review federal regulations and determine a proper course of enforcement through our Department of Commerce’s Division of Alcohol, Beverage, and Tobacco Control,” he said in an email to Saipan Tribune.

Bautista said the new federal will go a long way in curbing teenage smoking not only in the U.S. but also in its territories like the CNMI.

“We all know of tobacco’s negative effects on one’s health, and this policy can assist in curbing tobacco usage at a younger age. The World Health Organization recently found that tobacco usage has declined globally due in large part to government-led control efforts to save lives and protect communities from tobacco. This administration will continue its work of tobacco enforcement and advocating for healthier organic alternatives, while also working with [the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.] on promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing our youth from negative usage,” he said.

For VaprSpot owner Louis Rodgers, the new federal law didn’t come as a surprise.

“Back in November the White House had a meeting and the outcome was the introduction of Tobacco 21,” he said.

Funded by the Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation, Tobacco 21 is a national campaign aimed at raising the minimum legal age for tobacco and nicotine sales in the U.S. to 21.

Rodgers said this will surely affect his business. “Based on survey responses, 18-21-year-olds account for 20% of my business. So, I’ll definitely take a hit.”

But even before the new federal law came into effect, Rodgers said he had been restricting the sale of certain products for 18-20-year-olds.

The New York Daily News said the age hike for tobacco purchase was included in a spending package Trump signed last Dec. 20, though it wasn’t immediately clear how long it would take for the law to take effect.