|
Walmart said Wednesday that it will raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products and e-cigarettes at its U.S. stores to 21 amid growing pressure to cut tobacco sales and use among minors.
The world's largest retailer also said it will also stop selling fruit and dessert flavored e-cigarettes, which critics say can hook teenagers on vaping.
The West Virginia Legislature for the past two years declined to raise the legal age to 21, under pressure of lobbyists and possibly the loss of tax revenue.
The new rules will take effect in July at all its 5,300 U.S. stores, including its Sam's Club warehouse locations.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration put Walmart and 14 other retailers on notice for selling tobacco products to kids. Another retailer on the list, drugstore operator Walgreens, said last month that it would increase its minimum age for tobacco sales to 21 in September.
| 
