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Asda raises cigarette buying age
The supermarket extends Challenge 21 scheme to tobacco products and knives
Asda is raising the age for buying cigarettes in its stores to 18.
And the supermarket is calling for other large retailers, newsagents and c-stores to follow its lead.
The move comes into force on 1 September in tandem with a similar rise in the age for buying knives in Asda stores.
It widens the Challenge 21 scheme, which already includes the sale of alcohol, fireworks and 18 rated dvds and computer games.
Customers who look under 21 will be asked to provide proof of age to show that they are 18 when buying cigarettes and knives at Asda.
The decision comes at a time when laws around smoking are being scrutinized and knife crime is on the increase.
Public opinion is changing in these areas and as a responsible retailer we felt we should do something, said Asdas retail director, Andy Clarke. By raising the age limit to 18 for the sale of cigarettes and knives, not only are we helping discourage teenage smoking, but also helping our colleagues who sometimes find it hard to judge how old customers are, added Clarke.
Ian Willmore, a spokesperson for the anti-smoking group, ASH, said: ASH welcomes Asdas move to stop cigarette sales to under 18s, in advance of any Government decision to change the law in this area. We hope this will set an example to all retailers.
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