At Philip Morris International (PMI), our U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) take youth access prevention to nicotine products in the U.S. seriously. No one under the age of 21 should use such products, period. That’s why we recently launched our new “Invested in Responsibility” campaign.

As part of this effort, PMI U.S. has rolled out a 10-point approach focused on helping prevent underage access. And it’s not just talk. The approach includes real tools and steps we can use and put into action today. That means making training available for retailers, stronger ID-check technology, and marketing that’s directed at adults—not kids.

But this isn’t something we can do alone. Preventing youth access takes teamwork—from manufacturers, retailers, lawmakers and community leaders. That’s why we’re glad to see retailers in Texas stepping up. Whether it’s checking IDs for anyone under 30 or refusing to participate in a straw purchase, retailers and convenience store operators across the Lone Star State are doing their part to keep nicotine out of the hands of those under 21 years old.

This kind of support matters. When companies like PMI U.S. work directly with retailers, it strengthens everyone’s efforts. It also shows that industry leaders and brick-and-mortar stores are serious about doing the right thing and invested in improving and strengthening local communities.

At the same time, it’s critical to remember that roughly 28 million adults nationwide still smoke, and many are looking for better alternatives as they try to make the switch away from cigarettes. Scientifically-substantiated, smoke-free products offer less risky options to these legal age adult smokers, but all too often, new laws and restrictions treat all nicotine products the same.

Take flavor bans, for example. In practice, they often remove less harmful, smoke-free options from the marketplace that adults rely on to transition away from cigarettes. And raising taxes on smoke-free products only makes things worse, lumping all products together and ignoring the continuum of risk they exist on – with cigarettes by far the most harmful, according to the FDA.

At PMI U.S., our approach takes a more balanced view. It supports practical retail measures to prevent youth use while still supporting access for legal-age adult smokers who are trying to switch. It’s an approach backed by sound science, not fear and speculation.

Here in Austin and throughout Texas, retailers and convenience store owners are ready to keep doing their part. PMI U.S. will continue to partner with them, and we’ll keep supporting smart policies that help protect kids while also helping adults make better choices. Progress is possible when we all work together towards a common goal.

Learn more about PMI's mission to improve public health in the United States.