Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), minority leader of the legislature, today called on Presiding Officer Bruce Blakeman for prompt, bi-partisan action on a proposed local law that would limit the accessibility of tobacco products only to store personnel and, therefore, away from children. The law will also limit the ability of point-of-sale advertising to induce young people into buying any tobacco product.

The law, introduced by Democrats on Dec. 21 and again Jan. 5 of this year, would also require that all tobacco-related advertising be located more than two feet from any candy, sports trading cards or toys.

In a May 20 letter to Presiding Officer Blakeman, Legislator Jacobs offered to have the legislation re-introduced as a Blakeman-Jacobs bill.

"The safety of our children is too important for further delay of this bill," Jacobs said. "I'd really be at a loss to explain why someone as decent as Bruce Blakeman would not want to take me up on my suggestion for a bipartisan and expedited approach to passing this pro-health and pro-children bill."

Patricia Bishop-Kelly, director of advocacy for the American Cancer Society, also endorsed the proposed legislation during a public comment session of the legislature on May 10.

"In its attempt to limit the access children have to purchase tobacco products, the Nassau County Legislature will be implementing a strong weapon in our community battle to keep children from ever starting to use tobacco products," Ms. Bishop-Kelly said.

If the legislation is passed, tobacco products could only be placed behind the counter, or under lock and key.

The penalties for violation with any part of the law will be punishable by a fine not exceeding $250. The Nassau County Board of Health will be responsible for the enforcement of the law if passed in the legislature's 1999 session. This proposed law is similar to legislation recently enacted into law in Suffolk County.