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Arlington, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Sales age
21 (military 18+)
Permit issuer
Texas Comptroller
Statute
Tex HSC 161.0815
ID check trigger
Buyer appears under 30

Summary

Tobacco retailers must hold a Texas Comptroller cigarette and tobacco permit. Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited under Texas Health and Safety Code 161.0815, with exceptions for active military.

Sec. 161.0901. DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST CIGARETTE, E-CIGARETTE, AND TOBACCO PRODUCT RETAILERS. (a) A retailer is subject to disciplinary action as provided by this section if an agent or employee of the retailer commits an offense under this subchapter. (b) If the comptroller finds, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing...that a permit holder has violated this subchapter at a place of business for which a permit is issued, the comptroller may suspend the permit for that place of business and administratively assess a fine as follows: (1) for the first violation...the comptroller may require the permit holder to pay a fine in an amount not to exceed $1,000; (2) for the second violation...not to exceed $2,000;

Source: Texas Health and Safety CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.0815, enacted in 2019, raised the legal sales age for cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products to 21, aligning with the federal Tobacco 21 law. The Texas Comptroller issues cigarette and tobacco retailer permits; Arlington does not require a separate city tobacco license. Retailers must check government photo ID for any buyer under 30, refuse sales to underage purchasers, and post age-restriction notices. Active-duty military personnel age 18 to 20 with valid military ID are exempt under Texas law. Arlington Police and the Texas Comptroller conduct undercover compliance checks; vape shops are inspected with extra scrutiny.

Violations & Fines

Selling to a minor is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per first offense, escalating to $1,000 for repeats. Three violations in two years can trigger permit suspension or revocation by the Comptroller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arlington license tobacco shops separately?
No. Texas preempts most local tobacco licensing. Retailers obtain a state cigarette and tobacco permit from the Texas Comptroller. Arlington enforces the state age-21 rule through APD compliance checks.
Are there flavored vape bans?
No local flavor ban. Texas does not authorize cities to restrict flavored tobacco. Federal FDA rules limit flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes to tobacco and menthol; refillable vapes are unaffected.

Sources & Official References

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