Connecticut General Statutes §53-344 raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco, vape, and nicotine products to 21 statewide effective October 2019, conforming with federal Tobacco 21 enacted December 2019.
Connecticut adopted Tobacco 21 under CT §53-344, effective October 1, 2019, predating the federal Tobacco 21 amendment to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act passed December 2019. The CT law applies in Hartford to all tobacco, vape, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and nicotine pouch products. Retailers must verify ID for any customer appearing under 30 years old and refuse sale to anyone under 21. Penalties for sale to a minor start at $200 for a first offense, escalating to license suspension under CT §12-285c. The CT DRS Tobacco Enforcement Unit conducts compliance checks.
Sale to anyone under 21 triggers fines starting at $200 (first offense), escalating to $500-$1,000 plus retail tobacco license suspension under CT §12-285c.
See how Hartford's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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