Alabama Statewide Rule
Alabama Vape and Electronic Nicotine Retail Rules
Key Facts
- Permit Requirement
- Permit required to sell vapor products
- Minimum Age
- Tobacco 21 minimum sales age
- Age Verification
- Age verification required at point of sale
- Enforcement
- Penalties include fines and permit loss
Summary
Alabama regulates the retail sale of vapor products and electronic nicotine devices through Code Section 28-11-13, requiring permits, age verification, and restricted youth marketing.
(a) A person desiring to operate as a specialty retailer of electronic nicotine delivery systems shall apply for a permit from the board. The board, by rule, shall establish requirements for the permit, which shall include an application fee of fifty dollars ($50). On approval by the board, the person shall pay to the board a permit fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000), which shall be renewed annually. All fees collected by the board under this section shall be deposited into the Vaping Licensing and Enforcement Fund under Section 28-11-10. (b) A permit issued under this section shall be valid only for one location specified in the permit application. (c)(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2), e-liquids, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and vapor-based alternative nicotine products may only be sold at retail by a permitted specialty retailer of electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Full Breakdown
Code of Alabama Section 28-11-13 and related provisions require retailers selling vapor products, e-cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products to obtain a state tobacco permit and verify age before sale. Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited under federal Tobacco 21 standards adopted by Alabama. Retailers must train clerks, post age-restriction signage, and avoid sales near schools where prohibited. Self-service displays are limited, and online or mail-order sales must use age-verified shipping. Violations can lead to permit suspension, civil fines, and criminal penalties.
Violations & Penalties
Selling vape products without a permit or to underage buyers risks fines, permit suspension, and misdemeanor charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Alabama retailers need a permit to sell vapes?
What is the minimum age to buy vape products?
Sources
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