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Alaska Statewide Rule

Alaska Tobacco 21 Age Limit Under AS 11.76.105

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Alaska (2026)

Key Facts

State Minimum
AS 11.76.105 age 19
Federal Floor
Tobacco 21 raises to 21
Vapor Products
Included restrictions
ID Check
Buyers appearing under 27
Local Authority
May adopt stricter
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Alaska State Legislature

Summary

Alaska law makes it a violation to sell or give tobacco, e-cigarettes, or vapor products to any person under 19 under AS 11.76.105, with federal Tobacco 21 raising the effective age to 21.

A person commits the offense of selling or giving tobacco to a minor if the person (1) negligently sells a cigarette, a cigar, tobacco, or a product containing tobacco to a person under 19 years of age; (2) is 19 years of age or older and negligently exchanges or gives a cigarette, a cigar, tobacco, or a product containing tobacco to a person under 19 years of age; (3) maintains a vending machine that dispenses cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, or products containing tobacco; or (4) holds a business license endorsement under AS 43.70.075 and allows a person under 19 years of age to sell a cigarette, a cigar, tobacco, or a product containing tobacco.

Source: Alaska State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

AS 11.76.105 prohibits the sale, exchange, or gift of cigarettes, tobacco, vapor products, or related items to anyone under 19. Federal law since 2019 raised the minimum legal sales age to 21 nationally, and Alaska retailers must comply or face FDA action. Possession of tobacco by minors is addressed separately under AS 11.76.106 and 11.76.107. Retailers must verify identification for purchasers appearing under 27. Boroughs may adopt stricter local ordinances, and the North Slope Borough and Bristol Bay Borough have at times imposed sales restrictions.

Violations & Penalties

Sale to a minor is a violation with fines and may trigger license suspension; repeated violations can lead to revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal age to buy tobacco in Alaska?
Federal law sets the minimum age at 21, even though the state statute references 19. Retailers must follow Tobacco 21.
Are vape products included?
Yes. Electronic smoking products and e-liquids are covered by AS 11.76.105 and federal Tobacco 21.

Sources

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