Proposed law would allow confiscation of tobacco from minors

Lawmakers in the City of Oneida are being asked to consider a proposal that would keep kids under the age of 18 from using or possessing tobacco. The effort was inspired by an infamous hangout near the City's High School.

Oneida's Mayor Leo Matzke says the ban would be a first in Central New York. "I think it could have a very positive influence on both our teenage community and our younger children," he said.

Under the proposed law, children wouldn't be arrested if caught with tobacco, but it would allow police to confiscate the products from anyone under the age of 18. One of the first places they Mayor says they might look would be a spot near the high school known as "Cancer Corner," where student smokers gather. "That's how it came about actually. Because of that spot," the Mayor said. "When they approached me a little over a month ago, the main issue was 'Cancer Corner.' And that is easily accomplished with our police doing a drive by."

"Cancer Corner" isn't actually on school property, which is why students can get away with smoking there now.

Matzke was approached by a non-profit called Bridges, which says the primary goal of the proposed law would be deterring children from smoking. "I know that a lot of parents don't want their little children who are coming in and leaving on school buses seeing older kids smoking. They don't want that example," said Bridges' Joseph Wicks. "I know people in the community that live near the school don't want teens on their property smoking."

If it passed, Matzke acknowledges the law would be difficult to enforce city-wide. So, he says, the enforcement would be focused on areas near schools, like "Cancer Corner."

Before the law can be enacted, it must also be passed approved by the State.