TOBACCO/VAPOR 21: (UPDATE)

[kristin]

It has come to our attention that the new law denying adults 18-20 access to safer alternatives to smoking became effective IMMEDIATELY nationwide. It seems earlier reports of 180+90 days applies mainly to FDA paperwork.

Additionally, states without a current T21 law do not need to pass the law separately to enforce. The US government is forcing state compliance by withholding certain funding for states that don't do compliance checks/enforcement for sales to adults under 21.

Selling Tobacco Products in Retail Stores

 

[kristin]

MORE ON T21 NEWS: "The law contemplates a regulation to provide retailers with clear direction on the new rules, including a requirement to verify the age of any purchaser under the age of 30. However, the law does not require [delaying] the shift to 21."

FDA: Federal Tobacco 21 Law Is Now in Effect

 

[Rossum]

Well, I guess it's better than a federal flavor ban, which seemed to be the alternative, but this 60 year old guy still thinks it stinks. Alcohol has been 21 since 1984 and it hasn't stopped teens from drinking. Somehow that forbidden fruit always tastes sweeter.

 

[kristin]

Keep in mind that FDA is not the enforcement arm of this law - that job falls to the states if they want to continue getting certain funding. We recommend contacting your state attorney general to find out how/when the law will be enforced in your state to avoid non-compliance.

 

[kristin]

Well, I guess it's better than a federal flavor ban, which seemed to be the alternative, but this 60 year old guy still thinks it stinks. Alcohol has been 21 since 1984 and it hasn't stopped teens from drinking. Somehow that forbidden fruit always tastes sweeter.

For now. The ANTZ are already squawking that T21 isn't enough to stop their phony "youth epidemic" (of course not, how do you fix something that doesn't exist?) and are still demanding a flavor ban.