Utah passes bill banning minors from entering a store that specializes in tobacco products; anyone under 19 years of age would also not be allowed to purchase tobacco paraphernalia

Michelle Rivera

SALT LAKE CITY , February 16, 2012 (Associated Press) – Minors would be prohibited from entering a store that specializes in tobacco products under a bill that has passed the Utah House.

Republican Rep. Paul Ray of Clearfield says anyone under the age of 19 would also not be allowed to purchase tobacco paraphernalia such as pipes or hookahs.

Ray says he is sponsoring House Bill 95 because of a concern about smoke shops are continuing to sell the synthetic drug known as spice despite a law making it illegal.

The House passed the bill Wednesday 41-28. It now moves to the Senate.

Opponents of the bill questioned the need for stricter regulations on all smoke shops just because some stores are selling spice illegally.

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