Minnesota Statewide Rule
Minnesota Tobacco 21 Law and Age Restrictions
Key Facts
- Minimum Purchase
- Minimum purchase age is 21 statewide
- Standards
- Applies to vape and nicotine pouches
- Local Compliance
- Local compliance checks enforce rules
- Penalties
- Repeated violations can revoke licenses
Summary
Minnesota raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco and electronic delivery devices to 21 in 2020 through changes tied to Minn. Stat. 461.12 and 609.685, aligning with federal Tobacco 21 requirements.
Subd. 1a.Penalty to sell or furnish. (a) Any person 21 years of age or older who sells, gives, or otherwise furnishes tobacco, tobacco-related devices, or electronic delivery devices to a person under the age of 21 years is guilty of a petty misdemeanor for the first violation. Whoever violates this subdivision a subsequent time within five years of a previous conviction under this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Minnesota's Tobacco 21 framework prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor products, and nicotine products to anyone under 21. Retailers must check identification under licensing rules incorporated into Minn. Stat. 461.12, and statewide criminal provisions in Minn. Stat. 609.685 apply to underage sales. Compliance check programs run by local public health agencies test retailers, and repeated violations can result in license suspension or revocation. Internet and remote sales must verify age before delivery.
Violations & Penalties
Selling tobacco to a person under 21 may result in administrative fines, license suspension, and criminal penalties under Minn. Stat. 609.685.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Minnesota raise the tobacco age to 21?
Are there exceptions for military members under 21?
Sources
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