On July 1st, Walmart stopped the sale of tobacco products to anyone younger than 21.
Walmart first announced the policy change in May. The change applies to tobacco products, such as cigarettes, as well as e-cigarettes and affects all Walmart, Neighborhood Market and Sam’s Clubs.
“Even a single sale to a minor is one too many, and we take seriously our responsibilities in the regard,” said John Scudder, Walmart’s chief compliance and ethics officer.
Previously, the minimum age to purchase tobacco at Walmart was 18 unless the stores were located in states which required buyers to be older.
Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, is also eliminating the sale of fruit and dessert-flavored electronic cigarettes. Opponents of the smoking devices said the fruit and sweet-flavors target young people.
