Chattanooga tobacco and vape retailers must hold a TN Department of Revenue tobacco license plus a city business license. Sales to anyone under 21 violate state law TCA 39-17-1504, with ID verification required for buyers appearing under 30.
Tennessee raised the minimum tobacco purchase age to 21 in 2020, aligning with federal Tobacco 21. Chattanooga retailers selling cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or hemp-derived nicotine must register with the TN Department of Revenue and obtain a Hamilton County business tax license through the Chattanooga City Treasurer. Clerks must verify photo ID for any customer who appears under 30. Repeat underage sales can trigger license suspension. Vape shops also fall under TN flavored-product registration rules adopted in 2024.
Selling tobacco or vapor products to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor under TCA 39-17-1504, and retailers face license suspension after repeat violations.
See how Chattanooga's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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