Under federal law, it is now illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 21.
President Donald Trump signed legislation on Dec. 20, 2019 which raised the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21.
But Wyoming State Statutes still set the minimum age to purchase tobacco and e-cigarette products at 18. With state law and federal law out of sync, the Casper Police Department say they will be unable to enforce the new federal rules.
The police department says that it is illegal for people in Casper to purchase tobacco products if they are under 21 but that the state would need to change its laws in order for police to enforce that.
“There is a bill currently being considered by Wyoming state lawmakers that, if passed, would make the legal age to purchase tobacco 21,” the Casper PD added. “If that bill becomes a Wyoming State Statute, the Casper Police Department will be able to enforce it.”
“We are anxiously awaiting updates in regard to this new federal and potential state law. As we receive those, we will share them with our community.”
Despite the police department’s inability to enforce the new federal law, they encourage people to abide by those rules.
