A piece of legislation that would see the sale of tobacco products banned to anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 has been introduced in California, reports Halfwheel.

Bill AB 935 introduced by Assembly Member Damon Connolly, D-San Rafael would stop those born on or after 1 January 2007 from ever legally being able to purchase tobacco products much as in New Zealand.
The bill is yet to be assigned to a committee and, if it were to pass, would see anyone violating the ban by selling to someone born in or after 2007 would face a first offense fine of between USD 400 and USD 600, according to Halfwheel. The fine would increase for additional violations and retailers could have their tobacco retailer license suspended or revoked for multiple violations. The bill does not contain any new language that would punish those born in or after 2007 for attempting to purchase tobacco products or for possession or consumption of tobacco products.
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has said it is deeply concerned about the introduction of the bill and has stated it would be setting up an online petition to oppose the bill.
“We are deeply concerned about AB 935 and any legislation that seeks to restrict the rights of premium cigar smokers. These proposals are not based on scientific evidence, but rather on a political agenda that seeks to demonize adult cigar smokers and restrict their freedom to enjoy a legal product. Clearly it is no longer a hidden agenda of the anti-tobacco groups to support full prohibition,” Joshua Habursky, deputy executive director of the PCA said in a press release.