The age of buying tobacco at age 21 will increase in two of the US drugstore chains

The Walgreens pharmacy chain will increase the age of tobacco to 21 in September, the giant likely to be sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for alleged sale to minors. An hour after the announcement, another channel, Rite Aid, announced that it would do the same in the next 90 days: this comes down to another measure of the company, beginning in early April, for which it will stop selling electronic cigarettes.

In February, the FDA informed Walgreens that it would take legal action when it was confirmed that the drugstore chain had violated the rules banning the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to people. minor buyers. Increased competition from Walgreens and Rite Aid, CVS, stopped selling tobacco in 2014.

According to the FDA, Walgreens is currently the main offender among pharmacies selling tobacco products. Twenty-two percent of Walgreens stores inspected by the agency have discovered cases of alleged illegal sale of tobacco products to minors, the FDA said.

In response, Walgreens has adjusted its policies. As of September 1, customers must be at least 21 years old to purchase cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Shortly after the announcement, Rite Aid said: "Increasing the age required to buy tobacco products is an important step in our efforts to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of children and adolescents" said the director of operations of the company, Bryan. Everett.

More than a dozen states have raised the minimum age to buy cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products; others are badyzing similar actions. It is also expected that Republicans in the Senate will introduce a federal bill that unifies the criteria in 21 years.