Virginia Beach, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum age
- 21 years
- Statute
- Va. Code 18.2-371.2
- ID required
- Under 30 buyers
- First-offense fine
- $100 to $500
Summary
Virginia Beach tobacco retailers must hold a state retail tobacco license and a city Business Professional and Occupational License, sell only to customers 21 or older under Va. Code Section 18.2-371.2, and post required age-restriction signage.
C. A violation of subsection A or B by an individual or by a separate retail establishment is punishable by a civil penalty in the amount of $500 for a first violation and a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500 for a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period. If applicable, upon a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period, the Department of Taxation may suspend or revoke any approved license, permit, or registration issued pursuant to subsection C of § 58.1-1021.04:1 . For any violation of this section by an employee of a retail establishment, (i) such penalty shall be assessed against the establishment and (ii) an additional penalty of $100 shall be assessed against the employee. Any attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which an alleged violation occurred may bring an action to recover the civil penalty, which shall be paid into the state treasury. Any law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for a violation of subsection A or B.
D. 1. Cigarettes and hemp products intended for smoking shall be sold only in sealed packages provided by the manufacturer, with the required health warning. The proprietor of every retail establishment that offers for sale any retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking shall post in a conspicuous manner and place a sign or signs indicating that the sale of retail tobacco products or hemp products intended for smoking to any person under 21 years of age is prohibited by law. Any attorney for the county, city, or town in which an alleged violation of this subsection occurred may enforce this subsection by civil action to recover a civil penalty not to exceed $500. The civil penalty shall be paid into the local treasury. No filing fee or other fee or cost shall be charged to the county, city, or town which instituted the action.
F. Agents of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority designated pursuant to § 4.1-105 may issue a summons for any violation of this section. Additionally, any retailer selling retail tobacco products shall be subject to the enforcement and compliance provisions of Chapter 23.2 (§ 59.1-293.10 et seq.) of Title 59.1.
Full Breakdown
The Virginia Tobacco 21 law, codified at Va. Code Section 18.2-371.2, raised the legal sales age statewide to 21, mirroring federal Tobacco 21. Retailers in Virginia Beach must register with the Virginia Department of Taxation, obtain a city BPOL license through the Commissioner of the Revenue, post age-warning signage at the point of sale, and verify identification for any purchaser appearing under 30. The rule covers cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and electronic cigarettes and vapor products. Resort Area corner stores, Convention Center hotel sundry shops, and convenience retailers all face identical rules with periodic compliance checks by VBPD and Virginia ABC.
Violations & Fines
Sales to underage buyers carry a $100 to $500 civil penalty for first offense, $200 to $1,000 for repeat offenses, plus license suspension and possible revocation by the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vape products covered?
Who enforces compliance checks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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