Austin enforces the federal Tobacco 21 minimum age and Texas SB 21 (2019), prohibiting tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21. While Austin Public Health runs robust tobacco-prevention programs, Texas state law preempts local flavor bans and retailer licensing. Smoking is separately banned in public places under Austin City Code Chapter 10-6.
Austin enforces the federal Tobacco 21 law (effective Dec 2019) and Texas SB 21 (effective Sept 1, 2019), prohibiting the sale of cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and all tobacco products to anyone under 21. Retailers operate under permits issued by the Texas Comptroller under Tax Code Chapter 154, and Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 161 governs sales statewide. Texas preempts local tobacco-sales regulation, so Austin has not enacted a city-level flavor ban or extra retailer license. However, Austin City Code Chapter 10-6 (the Austin Smoking in Public Places Ordinance) bans smoking and vaping inside virtually all enclosed public places, workplaces, and within 15 feet of building entrances. Austin Public Health's Tobacco-Free Living program partners with Texas DSHS for compliance checks, including underage decoy purchases. Active-duty military 18+ on Sept 1, 2019 are grandfathered.
Retailer violations of the age-21 rule incur Texas state fines: $250 first, $500 second, $1,000 third, up to $5,000 fourth-plus within 36 months. Permit suspension or revocation possible. Violations of Austin's smoking-in-public ordinance carry fines up to $2,000. Furnishing tobacco to minors is a Class C misdemeanor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 establishes citywide quiet hours from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM, during which sound plainly audible across a property line in resident...
Austin, TX
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Austin, TX
Austin Land Development Code Chapter 25-2 Subchapter F caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards without a permit. C...
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Chapter 3-4 requires dogs in public to be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with limited exceptions for designated off-leash area...
Austin, TX
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Austin, TX
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