Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Connecticut Statewide Rule

Connecticut Tobacco Sales Age Set At Twenty-One

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Connecticut (2026)

Key Facts

Minimum Age
Minimum sales age 21 statewide
Statute
Public Act 19-13 enacted in 2019
ID Verification
ID check required for customers under 30
Vapor Products
Applies to vapor and electronic products
Penalties
License suspension possible for repeat sales
Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: State of Connecticut

Summary

Connecticut prohibits sale of tobacco, vapor, and electronic nicotine products to anyone under 21 statewide under Public Act 19-13 and CGS 53-344.

(b) Any person who sells, gives or delivers to any person under twenty-one years of age cigarettes or a tobacco product shall be fined not more than three hundred dollars for the first offense, not more than seven hundred fifty dollars for a second offense on or before twenty-four months after the date of the first offense and not more than one thousand dollars for each subsequent offense on or before twenty-four months after the date of the first offense. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a person under twenty-one years of age who is delivering or accepting delivery of cigarettes or a tobacco product (1) in such person's capacity as an employee, or (2) as part of a scientific study being conducted by an organization for the purpose of medical research to further efforts in cigarette and tobacco product use prevention and cessation, provided such medical research has been approved by the organization's institutional review board, as defined in section 21a-408.

Source: State of ConnecticutView official code

Full Breakdown

Public Act 19-13 raised Connecticut's minimum legal sales age for tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery products to 21, codified in CGS Sections 53-344 and 53-344b. Retailers must check government-issued photo identification for any customer who appears under 30. The law applies to cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vapor products, and related accessories. Municipalities cannot lower the age threshold but may engage in compliance check programs in coordination with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Violations & Penalties

First-offense fines start at $300 with escalating penalties and license suspension under CGS 53-344 for repeat violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal age to buy tobacco in Connecticut?
The minimum age is 21 for all tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery products statewide.
Can a town set a different tobacco age?
No. State law sets a uniform 21-year-old minimum that applies in all Connecticut municipalities.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.