Walmart Raises Minimum Age to Buy Tobacco to 21 – Should More Retailers?

What’s the story?

• Walmart and its corporate cousin Sam’s Club are increasing the minimum age for buying cigarettes to 21. The two outlets will also discontinue the sale of fruit-flavored nicotine products, which have become popular with teens.
• The new policy will go into effect across all Walmart stores in the U.S. on July 1.

What is Walmart saying?

• Walmart made the announcement in a letter to the Food and Drug Administration Wednesday.

“We unequivocally acknowledge that even a single sale of a tobacco product to a minor is one too many, and we take seriously our responsibilities in this regard,” said John Scudder, Walmart’s ethics and compliance officer.

• In March, the FDA accused 15 retailers – including Walmart – of selling tobacco products to underage buyers. They followed up with a letter to Walmart on April 5, writing:
• “These illegal sales must stop. Violating the law . . . and paying associated fines and penalties, should not simply be viewed as a cost of doing business.”

What do you think?

Last month, Walgreens and CVS announced they’re raising the minimum age to buy tobacco products to 21. Should more retailers do the same? Should the U.S. raise the age nationally? How do you feel about businesses driving policy? Take action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: iStock / Andrei Stanescu)