Things You Have To Be 18 To Buy At Walmart

Navigating the aisles of Walmart can be a straightforward experience for most shoppers. However, certain items are subject to age restrictions, meaning you need to be at least 18 years old to purchase them. This isn’t just a matter of store policy; it’s often dictated by federal, state, and local laws designed to protect public health and safety. Understanding what things you have to be 18 to buy at Walmart ensures a smooth shopping trip and compliance with legal regulations. This article will guide you through these age-restricted items, explaining the reasons behind the restrictions and the potential consequences of violating them.

[Image: Walmart store exterior at daytime]

Tobacco Products

Federal and State Regulations

One of the most well-known age restrictions involves tobacco products. Federal law mandates a minimum age of 21 to purchase tobacco, but individual states can set stricter regulations. Walmart adheres to these federal and state laws, requiring customers to be at least 18 (or 21, depending on the specific jurisdiction) to purchase cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other related products. The rationale behind these laws is to reduce rates of smoking and nicotine addiction among young adults. The rise of vaping has further intensified these regulations, with many states including e-cigarettes and vaping products under the same age restrictions as traditional tobacco.

Enforcement at Walmart

Walmart employs various methods to enforce these age restrictions. Cashiers are trained to card anyone who appears to be under a certain age (often 30 or 40). The store also utilizes technology such as point-of-sale systems that prompt cashiers to verify the customer’s age when scanning tobacco products. Additionally, Walmart may conduct random compliance checks, where undercover agents attempt to purchase tobacco products to ensure that cashiers are following the rules. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines for the cashier and the store, as well as potential suspension or revocation of the store’s license to sell tobacco products.

Alcoholic Beverages

Varying State Laws

Similar to tobacco, the sale of alcoholic beverages is heavily regulated, with the minimum age set at 21 across all states in the United States. While federal law doesn’t directly prohibit individuals under 21 from possessing or consuming alcohol, it incentivizes states to maintain the 21-year-old drinking age by withholding federal highway funds from states that don’t comply. This has effectively created a uniform drinking age nationwide. However, specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, such as the days and hours alcohol can be sold, vary significantly from state to state and even county to county.

Walmart’s Alcohol Sales Policies

Walmart strictly adheres to these state and local laws regarding alcohol sales. Cashiers are required to check the ID of anyone attempting to purchase alcohol who appears to be under 30 or 40. The store also trains its employees on how to identify fake IDs and signs of intoxication. Furthermore, Walmart may have specific policies in place regarding the types of alcohol it sells, depending on local regulations. For instance, some stores may only sell beer and wine, while others may sell a full range of spirits. The company also closely monitors its alcohol sales to prevent underage drinking and public intoxication.

Spray Paint and Aerosol Products

Regulations to Prevent Vandalism

Spray paint and certain aerosol products are often subject to age restrictions due to their potential for misuse, particularly in acts of vandalism and graffiti. Many cities and states have laws prohibiting the sale of these products to individuals under 18. The rationale behind these laws is to reduce property damage and deter criminal activity. While Walmart’s policy may vary depending on local regulations, it generally restricts the sale of spray paint and certain aerosol products to individuals 18 years of age or older. This is because things you have to be 18 to buy at Walmart are often subject to misuse.

Walmart’s Implementation

Walmart implements these restrictions by requiring cashiers to check the ID of anyone attempting to purchase spray paint or restricted aerosol products. The store may also keep these products in a secure location, such as behind the customer service counter, to prevent theft and underage purchases. Additionally, Walmart may work with local law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals who violate these laws. The company’s efforts to prevent the misuse of spray paint and aerosol products are part of its broader commitment to community safety and crime prevention.

Firearms and Ammunition

Federal Gun Control Act

The sale of firearms and ammunition is heavily regulated by both federal and state laws. The Gun Control Act of 1968 sets the minimum age for purchasing handguns from licensed dealers at 21 and long guns (rifles and shotguns) at 18. However, individual states may have stricter regulations. Walmart’s policy on firearm sales has evolved over time in response to changing public sentiment and regulatory requirements. In 2019, the company announced that it would no longer sell handguns in Alaska and would restrict the sale of ammunition that could be used in military-style assault rifles.

Walmart’s Policies on Firearm Sales

Walmart requires customers to be at least 18 years old to purchase long guns and ammunition, in compliance with federal law. The store conducts background checks on all firearm purchasers, as required by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Walmart also has policies in place to prevent straw purchases, where one person buys a firearm on behalf of someone else who is prohibited from owning one. The company’s decision to restrict the sale of certain types of firearms and ammunition reflects its commitment to responsible gun sales and community safety. Walmart has also stopped selling firearms in many of its stores, focusing on sporting goods and hunting equipment in select locations.

Lottery Tickets

State-Specific Lottery Laws

Lottery tickets are another category of age-restricted items. The minimum age to purchase lottery tickets varies by state, but it is typically 18 or 21. Walmart adheres to these state laws, requiring customers to be of legal age to purchase lottery tickets at its stores. The rationale behind these laws is to protect minors from gambling addiction and financial exploitation. Lottery tickets are considered things you have to be 18 to buy at Walmart in most states.

Walmart’s Lottery Ticket Sales

Walmart enforces these age restrictions by requiring cashiers to check the ID of anyone attempting to purchase lottery tickets who appears to be underage. The store may also post signs indicating the minimum age to purchase lottery tickets. Additionally, Walmart may limit the number of lottery tickets that can be purchased at one time to prevent excessive gambling. The company’s efforts to prevent underage gambling are part of its broader commitment to responsible retailing and community well-being.

Certain Over-the-Counter Medications

Regulations on Pseudoephedrine Products

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications, particularly those containing pseudoephedrine, are subject to age restrictions due to their potential use in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 (CMLEA) regulates the sale of pseudoephedrine products, requiring pharmacies and retailers to keep these products behind the counter or in a locked cabinet and to verify the identity of purchasers. While the federal law doesn’t explicitly set a minimum age, many states have implemented laws requiring purchasers to be at least 18 years old.

Walmart’s Policies on OTC Medications

Walmart complies with these federal and state regulations by keeping pseudoephedrine products behind the pharmacy counter and requiring customers to present a valid photo ID to purchase them. The store also maintains a log of all pseudoephedrine sales, as required by the CMLEA. Additionally, Walmart may limit the quantity of pseudoephedrine products that can be purchased at one time to prevent the diversion of these products for illegal purposes. These measures help prevent the misuse of OTC medications and protect public safety.

Aerosol Dusters

Concerns About Inhalant Abuse

Aerosol dusters, often used for cleaning electronics, can be misused as inhalants. Inhalant abuse, also known as “huffing,” can lead to serious health problems, including brain damage, organ failure, and sudden death. To combat this issue, some states and municipalities have implemented laws restricting the sale of aerosol dusters to individuals under 18. Walmart may follow these local regulations, requiring customers to be of legal age to purchase these products.

Walmart’s Approach to Duster Sales

Walmart may require ID verification for the purchase of aerosol dusters in certain locations, depending on local laws. The store may also train its employees to recognize signs of potential inhalant abuse and to refuse sales to individuals who appear to be purchasing dusters for this purpose. Additionally, Walmart may display warning signs about the dangers of inhalant abuse near the duster products. These measures are designed to prevent the misuse of aerosol dusters and protect the health and safety of young people.

Tattoo and Piercing Kits

Health and Safety Concerns

Tattoo and piercing kits carry significant health risks if not used properly. These risks include infection, allergic reactions, and the transmission of bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. To address these concerns, some states have laws restricting the sale of tattoo and piercing kits to licensed professionals or individuals who are at least 18 years old. While Walmart’s policy may vary depending on local regulations, it may restrict the sale of these kits to adults to prevent potential health problems.

Walmart’s Stance on Tattoo and Piercing Kits

Walmart may require ID verification for the purchase of tattoo and piercing kits, particularly in areas where local laws restrict their sale to adults. The store may also display warnings about the potential health risks associated with tattooing and piercing. Additionally, Walmart may choose to sell only professional-grade tattoo and piercing supplies, which are typically purchased by licensed artists. These measures are intended to promote safe tattooing and piercing practices and protect the health of its customers.

Items Behind the Pharmacy Counter

Age Restrictions on Certain Products

While not all items behind the pharmacy counter require a prescription, some are subject to age restrictions due to their potential for misuse or abuse. Examples include cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DXM) and certain dietary supplements. Walmart pharmacists are trained to identify these age-restricted products and to verify the age of purchasers.

Pharmacist Discretion and Regulations

Walmart pharmacists exercise professional judgment when selling items behind the counter, taking into account the customer’s age, medical history, and the potential for misuse. They also comply with state and federal regulations regarding the sale of controlled substances and other restricted products. By placing these items behind the pharmacy counter, Walmart can better control their distribution and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. This ensures that things you have to be 18 to buy at Walmart are handled responsibly.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart adheres to federal, state, and local laws regarding age-restricted items.
• Age restrictions are in place to protect public health, safety, and prevent misuse of certain products.
• Cashiers are trained to verify the age of customers attempting to purchase age-restricted items.
• Walmart may implement additional policies, such as keeping products behind the counter or limiting quantities, to prevent underage purchases and misuse.
• Violations of age restriction laws can result in fines for the cashier and the store, as well as potential legal consequences for the purchaser.

Conclusion

Understanding the things you have to be 18 to buy at Walmart is essential for ensuring a smooth and compliant shopping experience. Age restrictions are in place to protect public health and safety and to prevent the misuse of certain products. By being aware of these restrictions and adhering to Walmart’s policies, customers can help ensure that these products are sold responsibly. Always be prepared to show a valid photo ID when purchasing age-restricted items, and remember that it is illegal to purchase these items for someone who is underage. Walmart’s commitment to responsible retailing helps to create a safe and healthy community for everyone.

[See also: Walmart’s Return Policy Explained]