Twenty-year-old Cody Christopher and a couple of friends were standing outside the Northwoods Mall smoking Friday when they heard about a proposed state law that would stop them from buying cigarettes until they're 21.

"That's ridiculous," Christopher said. He and his friends are in the Navy. "I can get shot for them. Why can't I smoke or even drink a beer?"

Rep. John Graham Altman, R-Charleston, introduced a bill this week that would make it illegal for those younger than 21 to buy or possess tobacco products. Breaking the law would result in severe penalties, including losing a driver's license for a year.

"I want them to stop smoking on the front end, before they start," Altman said.

The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. If it passes, South Carolina would be the first in the nation to have a minimum smoking age of 21, said Dr. Rob Crane, president of Tobacco to 21, an advocacy group based in Ohio.

Statistically, most teens are social smokers. Addiction happens between ages 17 and 20, Crane said.

"It helps delay that until kids are more mature," he said.

Federal law sets the age at 18, but states are able to impose higher age limits. Four set the limit at 19.

Altman said he was prompted to introduce the legislation after some groups suggested the state's cigarette tax, which is the lowest in the nation, be raised as a deterrent to young smokers. Raising the minimum age would be a more direct solution, Altman said.

If the state lost tax revenue from its youngest smokers, Altman said it would not make a great impact.

"I bet we wouldn't notice a ripple in the state revenues," he said. "And if so, so what?"

Mick Matricciano, 20, of Summerville said the bill doesn't sound bad.

"I don't think it will stop anyone," said Matricciano, who does not smoke. "It will limit them. It can't hurt."

Christopher and his friends Dan Hayward and Jon Gilbert said they all started smoking before they were 18. They agreed that setting the minimum age higher would not make a difference.

"If people choose to smoke, they're going to get it somewhere," Hayward, 18, said.

"Too many people between 18 and 21 already smoke," said the 19-year-old Gilbert.

Aimee and Steve Jeffries of North Charleston said Altman's legislation would be a good deterrent. They both said they regret ever starting.

"Let them be an adult and make an informed decision" said Steve Jeffries, who has been smoking for more than 30 years.

Smoking is an adult decision, Altman said. "If they want to smoke when they're older, they can," he said. "I don't want to run anybody's life. I am not going to be 'Supernanny.'"

Reach Yvonne M. Wenger at 745-5891 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.