Tobacco Age Restrictions: Bessemer vs Birmingham
How do tobacco age restrictions rules compare between Bessemer, AL and Birmingham, AL?
Bessemer has fewer restrictions than Birmingham.
Bessemer, AL
Jefferson County
Alabama prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21 under Code Section 28-11-13, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 law.
View full Bessemer rules →Birmingham, AL
Jefferson County
Alabama Code Section 28-11-13 sets the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products at 21, matching the federal Tobacco 21 standard, and Birmingham retailers must verify age for all such sales.
View full Birmingham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bessemer | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Minimum age | - | 21 statewide |
| State law | - | AL Code 28-11-13 |
| Enforcement | - | ABC Board compliance |
| First-offense fine | - | $300 minimum |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bessemer FAQ
What is the legal age to buy tobacco in Alabama?
Twenty-one years old, the same threshold for cigarettes, cigars, vape products, and alternative nicotine.
Are clerks required to check ID?
Yes, clerks must verify government photo ID for buyers reasonably appearing under age 30.
Birmingham FAQ
Does Alabama still allow military exemption from Tobacco 21?
No. The 2019 update to AL Code 28-11-13 removed the prior 19-year-old military exemption. All buyers, including active-duty military, must be 21 or older.
Can a parent give cigarettes to their 18-year-old child in Birmingham?
No. The statute prohibits transfer to anyone under 21 regardless of family relationship. Possession by the minor is also a separate violation under state law.
Compare other topics
See how Bessemer and Birmingham compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool