Alabama Code Section 28-11-13 sets the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and alternative nicotine products at 21, matching the federal Tobacco 21 standard, and Birmingham retailers must verify age for all such sales.
AL Code 28-11-13 prohibits the sale, gift, or transfer of tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapor products, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21. Birmingham retailers must check government-issued photo ID for any purchaser appearing under 30. Violations are tracked by the Alabama ABC Board's Tobacco Compliance Unit, which conducts undercover operations. Federal Tobacco 21 (Public Law 116-94, 2019) applies in parallel. Possession of tobacco products under 21 is a violation by the minor as well, with diversion programs sometimes available. Birmingham businesses face state license suspension for repeat sales-to-minors violations alongside any city business-license consequences.
Retailers selling to under-21 buyers face fines starting at $300 for first offense, escalating with repeat violations, plus possible state tobacco-permit suspension for stores with multiple infractions within a 12-month window.
Birmingham, AL
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