The Indonesian Vape Retailers Association (Arvindo) instructed all member stores to stop selling e-cigarettes to customers under 21, requiring retailers to display 21+ signage, and verify age with valid identification. Chairman Fachmi Kurnia said the move supports government efforts to curb youth access, a position echoed by the Tar and Smoke Free Movement, which maintains that alternative tobacco products should be reserved for adult smokers. Arvindo also urged policymakers to adopt science-based regulation and consider vaping’s harm-reduction potential, citing a 2025 JAMA Network study showing e-cigarettes were the most commonly used quit aid in England. The call comes as Indonesia faces persistently high smoking rates, with government data estimating 70 million active smokers, including significant youth prevalence.
Tag: smoking age
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Wisconsin Lawmakers Renew Push to Raise Tobacco Age to 21
Wisconsin legislators are again attempting to bring state law in line with federal rules that set the minimum tobacco purchasing age at 21. Despite the federal change in 2019, state law still lists the age as 18, creating confusion for retailers and police. Similar bills cleared the Assembly in 2020 and 2022 but stalled in the Senate.
Supporters say updating the law would strengthen enforcement and help curb youth access. “When 18-year-olds are allowed to purchase these products, they often find their way into the hands of younger friends and classmates,” said Rep. Karen Hurd, R-Withee.
Many retailers, including Madison’s Puffin Pass, already follow the federal age limit. “Nicotine products for us have always been 21,” said general manager Seth Blackstone.
Senate leaders have not indicated whether they will support the new proposal.