Walgreens announced Tuesday a new, chain-wide policy will require customers to be at least 21 years old in order to purchase tobacco products in its stores. The policy will go into effect on September 1, 2019.
Officials with Walgreens says the new Tobacco 21 policy reinforces other recent steps the company has taken, including the implementation of a “Card All” policy chain-wide last October, which requires verification regardless of age on all tobacco sales in their stores. Officials indicate the company’s action also aligns with the efforts of states and municipalities who have recently enacted, or are considering, laws to restrict tobacco sales to people 21 and older. Officials add Walgreens has supported such legislative proposals. They say studies have shown cities that have enacted Tobacco 21 laws have seen a sharp decline in tobacco use among young adults 18-20 years old.
Walgreens operates more than 9,500 drugstores, including a store in Hopkinsville and other stores around the area.
Earlier this month, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced plans to introduce legislation in the U.S. Senate to raise the nationwide minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. The McConnell bill, which will be introduced in May, will cover all tobacco products, including vaping devices.
According to McConnell’s office, Kentucky, unfortunately, has some of the highest cancer rates in the country, leading the nation with 34% of cancers tied directly to smoking.
