Rite Aid raises tobacco purchasing age

Camp Hill, Pa.-based Rite Aid is taking another step toward its responsible tobacco commitment by increasing its minimum age from 18 to 21.

“Raising the age for purchasing tobacco products is an important step in our efforts to ensure that these products do not fall into the hands of children and teens,” said Bryan Everett, chief operating officer of Rite Aid Corp. “Our decision is directly related to research from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health that shows over 80 percent of adult smokers smoked their first cigarette before they turned 18, and nearly 95 percent started before age 21. By raising the purchase age, we are furthering our commitment to promoting responsible access to tobacco products.”

The news comes shortly after the company announced that it will be removing all e-cigarettes and vaping products from its shelves chain-wide.

These actions will go into effect across all Rite Aid stores within 90 days.