Texas Health and Safety Code §161.0815 bans the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products to anyone under 21, except active-duty military with proper identification. El Paso retailers must verify age for every purchaser appearing under 30.
Tobacco 21, signed into Texas law in 2019, sets the minimum legal sales age at 21 statewide and applies in El Paso. The El Paso Department of Public Health and the Texas Comptroller perform compliance checks at convenience stores, smoke shops, and vape retailers. Active-duty military identification is the only carve-out. Border retailers near international bridges face additional scrutiny because cross-border travelers sometimes attempt to evade age limits. Retailers must post statutory notices, train staff to ID anyone appearing under 30, and refuse sale otherwise. Penalties include administrative fines and possible permit suspension under Texas Tax Code Chapter 154 and 155.
Selling tobacco or e-cigarettes to anyone under 21, failing to verify identification, missing required posted notices, or selling without a state retail tobacco permit can lead to fines and license suspension.
El Paso, TX
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El Paso, TX
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