Walgreens to Implement New Tobacco 21 Policy to Further Prevent Youth Access to Tobacco Products
April 23 2019 - 10:43AM
Business Wire
Walgreens is implementing a new, chain-wide policy that will
require customers to be at least 21 years old in order to purchase
tobacco products in its stores, the company announced today. The
policy will be effective Sept. 1, 2019, and is the most recent step
in an ongoing effort to further prevent youth access to tobacco
products.
“We’ve seen positive results from other recent efforts to
strengthen our policies related to tobacco sales, and believe this
next step can be even more impactful to reduce its use among teens
and young adults,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of
operations. “Through ongoing training and certification for
pharmacists and technicians, we also continue to help and support
people looking to quit the use of tobacco in their lives.”
The new Tobacco 21 policy reinforces other recent steps the
company has taken, including the implementation of a “Card All”
policy chain-wide last October, which requires verification
regardless of age on all tobacco sales in Walgreens stores. The
company’s action also aligns with the efforts of states and
municipalities who have recently enacted, or are considering, laws
to restrict tobacco sales to people 21 and older. Walgreens has
supported such legislative proposals. Studies have shown cities
that have enacted Tobacco 21 laws have seen a sharp decline in
tobacco use among young adults 18-20 years old.1
Additionally, the company continues to focus efforts on
promoting cessation products and services, and offers a
comprehensive suite of digital information and support tools to
patients who want to quit smoking.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation's largest drugstore
chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global
pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8
million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each
day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer
goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and
wellness services and advice. As of August 31, 2018, Walgreens
operates 9,560 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately
400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider
retail clinic services.
1
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/drug/news/2018/january/mayor-emanuel-announces-chicago-youth-cigarette-use-reaches-all-.html
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Phil CarusoPhone:
847-315-2962philip.caruso@walgreens.comhttp://news.walgreens.com@WalgreensNewsfacebook.com/Walgreens
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