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Gretna, LA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum sale age
18
First sale-to-minor fine
up to $50.00
Repeat sale-to-minor fine
up to $400.00
Point-of-sale sign
30-point type minimum
Vending machine sign
22-point type minimum

Summary

In the City of Gretna, retailers, distributors and vending machine operators cannot sell tobacco, alternative nicotine or vapor products to anyone under 18. Point-of-sale signage in 30-point type is mandatory, and vending machines need a 22-point warning sticker under Gretna Code of Ordinances § 16-155.

(a)It is unlawful for any manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or other person to knowingly sell or distribute any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product to a person under the age of 18. ... At the point of purchase, a sign in type not less than 30-point type shall be displayed that reads: "LOUISIANA LAW PROHIBITS THE SALE OF TOBACCO, ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCT, OR VAPOR PRODUCT TO PERSONS UNDER AGE 18." ... (e)Violations and penalties.(1)A person who violates the provisions of this section by selling tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products shall be fined not more than $50.00 for the first violation. The penalties for subsequent violations shall be a fine of not more than $100.00 for the second violation, a fine of not more than $250.00 for the third violation, and a fine of not more than $400.00 for any violation thereafter.

Full Breakdown

Section 16-155 makes it unlawful for any manufacturer, distributor, retailer or other person to knowingly sell or distribute a tobacco product, alternative nicotine product or vapor product, defined to include electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars and vapor cartridges, to anyone under 18. A point-of-sale sign in type no smaller than 30-point must read the state warning language verbatim. Vending machine operators must display a 22-point sign or sticker on the machine face or stop vending the products. It is separately unlawful for a person under 18 to buy any of these products, though minors may still handle tobacco when required by an employer's duties.

00 per offense. 00 for repeat offenses. There is no separate municipal retail tobacco license in this code beyond the general occupational license required of any Gretna business under chapter 12; § 16-155 layers the age-of-sale, signage and vending-machine rules on top of that occupational license.

Violations & Fines

Enforcement runs through Gretna Mayor's Court under Ch. 40. Selling to a minor: $50 first offense, $100 second, $250 third, $400 for any offense after that. Minor possession or purchase: up to $50 per violation. Missing signage is charged to the establishment or vending-machine owner on the same escalating schedule, up to $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Gretna vape shop sell to an 18-year-old?
Yes. Gretna Code of Ordinances § 16-155 sets the minimum age at 18 for tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products, matching state law; anyone 18 or older may legally purchase.
What sign must a Gretna tobacco retailer post?
A sign in type not less than 30-point reading the Louisiana law warning against sales to persons under 18 must be displayed at the point of purchase under § 16-155(a); vending machines need a similar 22-point sticker.
What is the penalty for selling vapor products to a minor in Gretna?
A first violation draws a fine of not more than $50.00, escalating to $100.00, $250.00, and then $400.00 for a fourth or later violation under § 16-155(e)(1).

Sources & Official References

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