Wheaton Raises Tobacco Sales Age To 21

WHEATON, IL — Wheaton has joined several west suburban communities in raising the tobacco sales age to 21. City officials voted Monday to approve the measure, which will go into effect on July 1, Suburban Life reports.

Previously the minimum age to buy cigarettes was 18. Once this new rule takes effect, residents must be 21 or older to buy cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.

The measure follows a nationwide push to raise the tobacco purchasing age to 21 due to an increasing number of teens vaping pod systems like the Juul, CNN reports. As a result, the FDA has launched a "blitz" on stores and electronic cigarette shops to ensure employees don't sell products to minors.

Glen Ellyn and Bolingbrook also approved similar measures to increase the tobacco buying age to 21.

The Illinois Senate is also moving toward making 21 the tobacco age a statewide requirement.

Related on Patch:

No Smoking in Bolingbrook Unless You Are 21

Smoking Age Increase Approved By Illinois Senate

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