Mayor to propose raising minimum age to buy tobacco

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - It may soon  be tougher for some people to buy tobacco in Chicago. Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to raise the age for buying tobacco.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office announced Tuesday night that the mayor has plans to propose raising the minimum age for buying tobacco products in Chicago to 21 from 18.

Hawaii, New York city and Cleveland have already made similar moves. And locally, Evanston passed an ordinance in 2014 making 21 the minimum age for buying tobacco. 

Supporters of such moves say many smokers take up the habit before turning 21. 

Mayor Emanuel also plans to propose higher taxes on on cigars, smokeless tobacco and roll-your-own cigarettes.