A new law designed to keep cigarettes out of Nassau County high schools took effect Thursday.

The law, known as Tobacco 19, raises the legal age to purchase cigarettes from 18 to 19. Nassau Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (unaffiliated-Woodbury) says Tobacco 19 will keep cigarettes away from young people and also take a major step to keep smoking from starting in college. The county health department says sting operations will be conducted to enforce the new regulations, and violators will face a $1,000 fine for each offense. Officials say repeat offenders could lose their tobacco and lotto licenses.

Suffolk County instituted a similar law in May of last year.

Related Information: Nassau County Executive