Legislator Salvator B. Pontillo (R-Farmingdale) voted for local legislation that extends the County's restrictions on the sale of tobacco to minors of herbal cigarettes.

"Some 3000 children start smoking in our country every day and one third of them will eventually die from smoking tobacco-related diseases," said Pontillo. "We cannot allow our children to be enticed to smoke herbal cigarettes which are not a natural or healthy alternative to tobacco cigarettes."

Under the legislation, it would be prohibited to distribute herbal cigarettes for sale or for free to anyone under 18 years of age. In addition, it provides that a vendor may request proof of age from any customer who appears to be under 27 years of age. Furthermore, it limits where vending machines that dispense herbal cigarettes can be located.

"I am pleased to be able to support this important legislation. I urge the county executive to sign it into law," concluded Pontillo.