This document may only be re-used with appropriate credit to Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights.
Young people are at the heart of tobacco control discussions.
Many in Congress support a hike in cigarette taxes primarily because steeper prices on the convenience store shelves will deter purchase by minors, or so it is believed. There are even some in the public health community who stand ready to hand the tobacco industry special legal protections in exchange for a package of programs that they think will reduce teen consumption. For the past half decade, at every level of government, restrictions on youth access to tobacco have been at the forefront of efforts to reduce tobacco use. The focus on kids has undeniable emotional appeal. It is also understandable from a prevention standpoint.