Tobacco and e-cigarette retailers in Travis County must hold a Texas Comptroller cigarette and tobacco permit under Tax Code Chapters 154 and 155, plus a DSHS e-cigarette retailer permit under Health and Safety Code Chapter 147.
Retailers selling cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, or e-cigarettes need permits from the Texas Comptroller and DSHS. Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.0815 sets the minimum age at 21, matching federal Tobacco 21. Retailers verify ID for buyers under 30, post age-restriction signs, and submit to compliance checks by TCSO and DSHS. Travis County does not issue a separate tobacco license outside Austin, where city tobacco retailer rules apply. Self-service displays of tobacco products are restricted in stores admitting minors.
Selling to anyone under 21, operating without a state permit, or failing compliance inspections triggers fines up to $1,000 per violation, permit suspension, and escalating penalties for repeat offenders within twenty-four months.
See how Travis County's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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