On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed legislation that raised the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. The age increase applies to purchases of cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes. Effective immediately, retailers are prohibited from selling any tobacco products to any one under 21.
In addition, Retailers are expected to immediately implement safeguards, such as manually checking tobacco purchaser’s identification, to prevent individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing tobacco products. During the “ramp up” period to implement the new law, the Food and Drug Administration will provide retailer with resources to comply with the law and will only use minors under the age of 18 in its compliance check program.