SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Residents will now have to be 21 years or older to buy tobacco products in Onondaga County.
The county legislature passed a bill that raised the age to purchase cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, and e-cigs.
Supporters of the law say it will protect young people from the harmful effects of smoking.
The Department of Health cited a study that shows raising the legal age to 21 decreases tobacco-related illnesses and deaths.
Lawmakers say it was a long process to raise the age.
The law takes effect January 1.