Is your smoke shop compliant with tobacco age verification laws? Check your state's requirements and penalties.
Since December 2019 (Tobacco 21 law), the federal minimum age to purchase tobacco products is 21 in all US states. This includes cigarettes, cigars, vapes, e-cigarettes, and all tobacco products.
Penalties vary by state but typically include fines of $100-$10,000 for first offense, possible license suspension or revocation for repeat offenses, and in some states, criminal charges. FDA also conducts undercover compliance checks.
Federal law requires ID verification for anyone who appears under 27 years old. However, best practice (and many state laws) recommend checking ID for everyone under 30 or even all customers regardless of appearance. Some states require electronic verification.
The FDA conducts random compliance inspections using underage buyers. On average, stores are checked 1-2 times per year, but high-violation areas may be checked more frequently. First-time violations result in warning letters; repeat violations escalate to fines and license suspension.