DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens said Tuesday it 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 policy will go into effect September 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.

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.