The Vermont House is putting off a debate on whether to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products in Vermont from 18 to 21.
Representative George Till on Thursday sought to add the minimum age provision to a bill imposing other restrictions on smoking, and it appeared to have broad support.
But he withdrew the amendment after complaints it had not been properly vetted through the committee process, and a promise from the House Democratic leadership that raising the age would be considered as part of separate legislation this year.
Till argued that about 10,000 Vermonters younger than 18 smoke, and most get cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18-to-20-year-olds who are allowed to buy them.
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