Sam Vaccaro, Ocean Grove – I think the age should remain at 18.
If you’re old enough to go to war, you’re old enough to be able to buy a pack of cigarettes.
Evelyn Bedell, Neptune – It’s another ridiculous thing they’re trying to do. It’s not going to prevent kids or anybody from smoking.
There are so many other important issues we could focus on.
Government should butt out.
Randy Bishop, Neptune – I actually think it’s a good idea.
It’s a habit that has tremendous health implications.
I know people say it’s another infringement by government, but we do it with alcohol.
Whatever we can do to help young people to not start bad habits until they realize the implications.
Russ Bleemer & Nancy Rine, Bradley Beach – Long overdue, period.
We live together and have a place in the city, and we support it.
The law makes for good social policy and, in the long run economic sense for health reasons.
Bob Brown, Neptune City -I really don’t see where it’s going to matter. What we need to do is raise the awareness.
My dad died of cancer at the age of 66.
I’m a reformed smoker. My wife and I quit smoking at the same time.
When you really see the health risk, it makes no sense to smoke.
You can raise the age to whatever.
Mary Ann Coscarellio, Bradley Beach – I think it’s a good thing.
I think they should ban cigarettes all together, to be honest.
And I’m a reformed smoker, so…
I tell people if I can do it, you can do it.
It’s a matter of will power.
Adrianne Gladden, Asbury Park – Well, I know it’ s harmful, but you should be able to make your own decisions no matter how harmful, by the time you’re 18.
I work in the city, and cigarettes are expensive.
Kevin Hagen, Asbury Park – I do smoke, so I find it kind of interesting. I do think it’s a good idea.
The younger you are when you start smoking, the harder it is to stop and it’s more taxing on your physical well being.
You could increase the price, too, but people will keep on smoking.
Megdon & Taylor Jackson, Eatontown – Megdon: I think it’s great. I actually have to sell cigarette at my job, and I can’t stand it. Every time I sell a pack I can’t believe I’m doing it.
Taylor: It’s a smart move.
It’s bad for you.
The more restrictions the better.
Travis Keenan, Long Branch – I don’t think it matters.
You can smoke e-cigarettes now at 11.
Kids will find a way to get cigarettes if they want.
A pack of Marlboro are 15 bucks up there now.
If you can pay 15 bucks for a pack of cigarettes – if that doesn’t turn you away- the age doesn’t mean anything.
Stuart Koperweis, Wanamassa – Well, then I think they should raise the age of the draft to 21.
I feel that way about alcohol issues and others.
I think people need to be responsible for their own lives.
Government should be the guide and not control.
Marlena & Wendy Macksey, Ocean – We think if you can go and fight for your country and pick your president, you can buy a pack of cigarettes if you want.
At 18, you’re an adult and you should be treated like such.
You’re responsible to make your own decisions.
Ilya Stolyar, Bradley Beach – I guess it’s good. Fewer bad habits for 18-year-olds. It’s a waste of money.
My fiance is quitting smoking now. She’s chewing the gum. Smoking costs her $200 a month.
It adds up. I think the law helps.
When you’re older you’ll make better decisions.
