West Virginia Statewide Rule
West Virginia Tobacco 21 Minimum Age Law
Key Facts
- Minimum Age Is
- Minimum age is 21 for all tobacco categories
- Includes Vapor And
- Includes vapor and alternative nicotine products
- Retailers Must Check
- Retailers must check ID and post signs
- Underage Possession Is
- Underage possession is prohibited
- Enforced By Local
- Enforced by local health and state agencies
Summary
West Virginia prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21 under W. Va. Code 16-9A-3.
A person, firm, corporation, or business entity may not sell, give, or furnish, or cause to be sold, given, or furnished, any tobacco product, in any form, to any person younger than 21 years of age, which shall be verified by a valid driver's license, state identification card, or any valid and unexpired federally issued identification card such as a passport or military identification card
Full Breakdown
W. Va. Code 16-9A-3 makes it unlawful to sell, give, or furnish tobacco products, tobacco-derived products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products to any person under 21. Retailers must check identification and post required signage. The law also prohibits underage possession and use of these products. Enforcement is handled by local health departments, the Tax Department, and law enforcement, with administrative and criminal penalties.
Violations & Penalties
Sales to a person under 21 carry escalating fines and potential license suspension under 16-9A-3 and accompanying enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does West Virginia follow Tobacco 21?
Can a 19-year-old purchase cigarettes in West Virginia?
Sources
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