Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) will increase the age to purchase tobacco products
to 21 consistent with the company’s commitment to promoting responsible
access to tobacco products. Rite Aid previously announced that it will
remove e-cigarettes and vaping products chain-wide. These actions will
go into effect across all Rite Aid stores within 90 days.
“Raising the age for purchasing tobacco products is an important step in
our efforts to ensure that these products do not fall into the hands of
children and teens,” said Bryan Everett, chief operating officer of Rite
Aid Corporation. “Our decision is directly related to research from the
National Survey on Drug Use and Health that shows over 80 percent of
adult smokers smoked their first cigarette before they turned 18, and
nearly 95 percent started before age 21. By raising the purchase age, we
are furthering our commitment to promoting responsible access to tobacco
products.”
Rite Aid will continue to enforce the Company’s chain-wide “ID All”
policy that requires identification to purchase age-restricted items,
including tobacco products. Rite Aid will also continue efforts to help
support those who want to quit. To date, the company has significantly
reduced the visibility and footprint of its tobacco offering across all
stores, while expanding its smoking cessation category. Rite Aid has
also trained its pharmacists to provide counseling through programs such
as “Quit
For You,” which takes a personalized wellness approach to quitting
smoking that is unlike any other smoking cessation program.
About Rite Aid Corporation
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation's leading
drugstore chains with fiscal 2019 annual revenues of $21.6 billion.
Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press
releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com.

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