(20) Quit Smoking
What is the legal age to smoke?
The legal age to smoke is currently set by each state of USA. In most states the legal age is 18. In 2002, agreements were made by Exxon Mobil and Walgreen Corporations with the states not to sell cigarettes to underage smokers. The corporations agreed to:
• Require that no one under the legal age of 18 is permitted to purchase smoking paraphernalia including cigarettes, lighters, matches, cigarette papers, and pipes.
• Be aware that youth access to tobacco shall be given comparable treatment as underage access to alcohol.
• Require that store personnel make every reasonable effort to cooperate in the enforcement of the state’s youth access laws.
• Prohibit the sale of single cigarettes or “Kiddie Packs” (under 20 cigarettes/pack).
• Prohibit the distribution of free samples.
• Prohibit the sale of non-tobacco products that are designed to look like tobacco products, such as bubble gum and candy cigars or cigarettes.
• Require an ID in connection with tobacco purchases and tobacco paraphernalia by persons appearing to be under the age of 27.
• Require a photo ID at the time of purchase.
• Be aware that state laws preempt federal laws; although where they are less restrictive they are ineligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding.
