DENVER – Denver City Council has unanimously voted to ban the sale of nicotine vaporizers and other tobacco products to people younger than 21.

Denver policymakers have also banned tobacco product vending machines, considered a statewide bill and debated where sales should be allowed.

Officials said stores could continue to sell tobacco products with a valid license, adding that the new law is effective immediately and enforcement would begin once signed by Mayor Michael Hancock.

Officials said more than 500 other local governments nationwide, 18 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted “Tobacco 21” laws.

Experts said higher tobacco ages could prevent or delay initiation of tobacco use by young people.

The state and city Chamber of Commerce said they had no position on the change.