OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg City Council will meet Monday to consider supporting a call by St. Lawrence County Legislators to raise the smoking age to 21 in St. Lawrence County.

The resolution is being put forward by the city manager.

The proposal has drawn attention from advocates and opponents of the measure.

The law would include prohibition of sales of e-cigarettes to those under 21 as well. According to legislator John Burke R-Norfolk the bill would not create a means for police to prosecute smokers who are 18-20.

While advocates say the bill may deter teens from becoming addicted to cigarettes in their vulnerable years, opponents say the bill is another example of government overreach.

On Monday the county set a public hearing regarding the proposal for June 5.

The resolution to be considered by city council offers support for the measure.

“A tobacco 21 policy will not punish youth under 21 for possessing, purchasing or attempting to purchase tobacco products, nor does it require sales clerks to be 21 years old to sell tobacco products,” the council’s resolution says.

The controversial proposal is being trumpeted by Seaway Valley Prevention Council, which was originally established with the mission to inform the public about the disease of alcoholism and substance abuse and to promote early treatment and rehabilitation of persons with drinking problems and substance abuse problems, according to the groups website.

Ogdensburg City Council will meet at 7 p.m. at city hall.