Federal Tobacco 21 (PL 116-94) and Texas Health and Safety Code section 161.082 ban sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapor products, and any tobacco to anyone under 21 in Harris County. Active-duty military with ID 18 or older are exempt under state law.
Federal law since December 2019 sets the minimum age for tobacco purchase at 21. Texas Health and Safety Code 161.082, amended by Senate Bill 21 (2019), matches that standard for all tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vapor products. Retailers must verify ID for any buyer who appears under 30. The single Texas exemption is active-duty military with proper ID who are 18 or older. Harris County Public Health and the Texas Comptroller run undercover compliance checks at unincorporated retailers. Cities like Houston, Pasadena, and Baytown conduct their own stings. Vending machines selling tobacco are banned outside age-restricted bars under section 161.084. Harris County cannot lower the age below 21.
Selling tobacco or vape products to a buyer under 21 is a Class C misdemeanor under Health and Safety Code 161.082, with fines up to five hundred dollars per sale, plus state permit suspension after repeat violations and possible revocation.
Harris County, TX
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Harris County, TX
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Harris County, TX
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See how Harris County's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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