Tobacco and vapor retailers in King County must hold a state Liquor and Cannabis Board license, and Public Health Seattle and King County enforces minimum age 21 sales under RCW 70.155 and vapor product rules under RCW 70.345.
Washington requires every tobacco and vapor retailer to hold a state license through the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB). Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited under RCW 70.155.010, raised by the 2019 Tobacco 21 law. Vapor products are separately licensed under RCW 70.345 and cannot be sold by self-service. Public Health Seattle and King County (PHSKC) conducts compliance checks across the county. Retailers must post age-of-sale signage, verify ID, and keep flavored vapor restrictions where applicable. Local cities may impose additional buffers near schools.
Selling to minors, missing signage, or operating without an LCB license can trigger fines starting at $200, license suspension up to twelve months, and criminal misdemeanor charges for repeat violations.
King County, WA
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See how King County's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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