Federal Tobacco 21 law and Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.082 prohibit selling tobacco, e-cigarettes, or vape products to anyone under 21. Fort Worth enforces compliance through Code Compliance and undercover sting operations.
The federal Tobacco 21 amendment to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, enacted December 2019, raised the minimum sales age nationwide to 21 for cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.082 mirrors this requirement, with a narrow exemption for active-duty military members 18 or older with valid military identification. Retailers must verify ID for any buyer appearing under 30. Sales to minors are a misdemeanor offense, and possession by minors can result in citations up to $250. Fort Worth Code Compliance partners with Tarrant County Public Health and the Texas Comptroller on undercover compliance checks at convenience stores, smoke shops, and vape retailers.
Selling tobacco to a person under 21 is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per offense plus state permit suspension; minors face fines up to $250 and tobacco-awareness program requirements under H&S Sec. 161.252.
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