Illinois Statewide Rule
Illinois Tobacco 21 Law Bars Sales Under Age 21
Key Facts
- Statute
- 720 ILCS 675/680
- Minimum Age
- 21
- Effective
- July 1, 2019
- Smoke Free Act
- 410 ILCS 82
Summary
Illinois prohibits sale of any tobacco, alternative nicotine, and electronic cigarette product to persons under 21 under the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Persons under 21 Act.
Sec. 1. Prohibition on sale of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products to persons under 21 years of age; prohibition on the distribution of tobacco product samples, electronic cigarette samples, and alternative nicotine product samples to any person; use of identification cards; vending machines; lunch wagons; out-of-package sales. (a) No person shall sell, buy for, distribute samples of or furnish any tobacco product, electronic cigarette, or alternative nicotine product to any person under 21 years of age.
Full Breakdown
Public Act 101-2, effective July 1, 2019, amended 720 ILCS 675 and 720 ILCS 680 to raise the minimum legal sales age for tobacco, alternative nicotine, and electronic cigarette products from 18 to 21. Retailers must verify a government-issued ID for any purchaser appearing under 30. The Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82) bans use of these products in indoor public places and workplaces. Local governments may enact stricter age and licensing rules under home rule but cannot lower the statewide age floor.
Violations & Penalties
Sales to underage buyers are punishable by civil penalties of $200 for a first offense, $400 for a second, and $600 for subsequent violations, plus potential license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal age to buy tobacco in Illinois?
Can cities impose stricter tobacco rules than the state?
Sources
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