>FDA Announces Final Rule On Increased Minimum Age For Tobacco Sales
(Silver Spring, MD) -- Starting September 30th, retailers will need to check photo ID of anyone under the age of 30 who tries to buy tobacco products. The FDA announced the final rule Thursday that follows legislation signed in 2019 that raised the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21. Previously retailers were required to verify the photo ID of anyone under the age of 27. Also starting September 30th, vending machines that sell tobacco products will not be allowed where anyone under the age of 21 is permitted to enter at any time. The director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products said the new restrictions are another "step toward protecting our nation's youth from the health risks of tobacco products."