Update: As of January 15th, 2020 the FDA has released an additional statement. On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes – to anyone under 21. FDA will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.
For more information, visit: FDA.gov
The Tobacco Enforcement Coordinator, Office of the Maine Attorney General issued the following to a fellow retailer as of 1/17/20: “The federal minimum age for purchasing tobacco products has changed from 18 to 21 as of December 20, 2019. This legislation supersedes the grandfathering clause in Maine law. Retailers must not sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 effective immediately. We will work to update our resources and trainings for you and your customers to reflect this change.”
*MGFPA cannot provide formal legal counsel.