Louisiana raised the tobacco and vape sales age to 21 under LA RS 26:910 et seq., aligning with the federal Tobacco 21 law. New Orleans retailers must verify ID for any tobacco, vape, or alternative-nicotine product sale.
Federal Tobacco 21 (2019) and Louisiana's amendments to LA RS 26:910 and Title 26 require retailers to refuse sales of cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, vape devices, e-liquids, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21. Retailers must check valid government ID for purchasers who appear under 30. The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) enforces compliance through compliance checks and license actions. New Orleans retailers also need a city occupational license, and combined city-state penalties can apply for sales to minors. Vending-machine sales are restricted to age-controlled venues.
Selling to under-21 customers triggers ATC fines, license suspension, and possible loss of permits. Repeat violations escalate, and clerks face individual citations under LA RS 14:91.6 for tobacco sales to minors.
See how New Orleans's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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