Back on Dec. 21, 2019, The Tribune’s Birmingham news partner, WVTM 13, reported on the new minimum age for tobacco purchases (see above).
Here’s more from the Alabama Department of Public Health:
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Dec. 20, 2019, President Donald Trump signed legislation to raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for retailers to sell any tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21.
Prior to this change, the minimum age to buy tobacco products in Alabama was 19.
Retailers with questions about the new requirements can contact the Center for Tobacco Products Office of Small Business Assistance at 1-877-287-1373, or via email at smallbiz.tobacco@fda.hhs.gov, for help.
Further resources on regulations surrounding the retail sale of tobacco products can be found at www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/compliance-enforcement-training/retail-sales-tobacco-products.
Alabama Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said he supports the increase in the buying age.
“Most people who smoke start before they turn 21, and adolescent brains are especially susceptible to nicotine addiction,” he said. “We hope this change will help reduce the habit, since tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States.”
Smoking kills more than 8,600 adults in Alabama each year. Annually, the state spends more than $1.88 billion in health care costs directly caused by smoking.
