Kentucky requires tobacco retailers to hold a state license; Louisville Metro adds occupational registration. KRS 438.305 sets the minimum sales age at 21 for cigarettes, vapes, and all tobacco products.
Retailers selling cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and electronic vapor products in Louisville Metro must obtain a Kentucky Department of Revenue tobacco license and a Metro occupational license under Chapter 110. KRS 438.305 (effective 2020) prohibits sale or transfer of tobacco or vapor products to anyone under 21, aligning Kentucky with federal Tobacco 21. Retailers must verify ID for buyers appearing under 30, post age signage, and prevent self-service displays of vape products. Underage compliance checks are conducted by Kentucky ABC and local health partners.
Selling to anyone under 21 yields civil penalties of $100-$500 per Kentucky violation, plus potential license suspension. Repeated failures escalate fines and can trigger permanent revocation of state and local tobacco-sales authority.
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