21 To Buy Cigarettes | Essential

Small business owners and convenience stores expressed concerns over lost revenue and the burden of strictly policing adult customers.

Most underage smokers obtain tobacco from older peers. Raising the age to 21 cut off high schoolers' access to 18-year-old friends who could legally buy products. 21 to buy cigarettes

Public health advocates championed the law primarily to combat the surging popularity of vaping among middle and high school students. Public health advocates championed the law primarily to

A major point of contention was that 18-year-olds are considered adults who can vote, sign contracts, and join the military, yet are denied the right to buy tobacco. ⚖️ The Public Health Argument

Data shows that about 95% of adult smokers start before they turn 21. Delaying access significantly reduces the likelihood of lifelong addiction. 🏛️ The Debate and Pushback

Passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2019, the legislation made it illegal for retailers to sell any tobacco product—including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes—to anyone under the age of 21. This moved the nationwide standard up from 18, following the lead of over half the states and hundreds of cities that had already implemented similar local measures. ⚖️ The Public Health Argument