You finally scrounge up a few bucks, then convince your friend's 18- year- old brother to buy you some smokes from the store that carded you last week. Once you have that new pack in your hand, you're home free. You may kick back, relax, and light up wherever you want...that is until June 11th.

A new state law makes it illegal for persons under eighteen to possess tobacco. Minors caught with tobacco may face up to four hours of community service. The law also increases the punishments for minors who purchase tobacco products. Minors who purchase tobacco products face up to $50 fines and a smoking cessation program.

School officials say that they plan to strictly enforce the law next school year. Tino Sanchez said, "I'll be the first one to say ÔNo, you can't turn your back on it. If it's a law, it's a law and it has to be enforced.'"

This new law, which may appear to be just another roadblock to inhaling minors, was passed in hope of curbing underage smoking in our society. Many are in support of this new measure, including junior, Dan Capen. "This could be the first law that will actually work;" said Capen. "Most kids don't wanna pay a lot of money. Some of them can hardly afford to buy cigarettes, let alone, pay a $50 fine too."

English teacher, Rebekah Angus agreed, "I never would have started smoking in high school if this law was passed then, I was way too economical." Angus began smoking in high school, but quit for good after becoming pregnant with her first child.

But like the rampantly disobeyed law against under-age drinking, some feel that nothing will stop those who choose to smoke. Freshman, Lacey Moon said, "I guess I'll just stay home and smoke. I'll lose my social life, I don't care."

Some wonder where young nicontine fiends will go without smoker's corner. Freshman Ryan Carr said, "We'll find simewhere else to go. It's no biggy to me. If you get caught, oh well, then you weren't careful enough."

For some it seems that the government acted rightly, but not quickly enough. Senior Chris John said, "You don't see kids walking around drinking beer all the time. It's about time they enforce cigarettes the same way."

Others think the measure goes too far. "Being a non-smoker, I guess I support it, but it sounds like a drastic last resort to keep kids from lighting up," said senior, Andrea Nelson. "I think it is just promoting closet smoking' really."

Some young smokers feel the law is unnecessary and wrong. "If you know what's gonna happen to your body and you still want to smoke, that should be your choice." said Carr.

Sanchez added, "I hope for the kid's sake, that they don't think we're doing it to take something from them. I wish they would be a little more broad-minded and realize that we're doing it to save their lives."