Rhode Island General Laws §11-9-13.4 set the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, vape, and nicotine products at 21 statewide; Providence retailers must check ID for anyone appearing under 30.
RI raised the tobacco purchase age to 21 (Tobacco 21) under General Laws §11-9-13.4, aligning with the federal Tobacco 21 law passed in late 2019. The law covers cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, vape pens, and nicotine pouches. Retailers in Providence must verify a government-issued ID for any purchaser appearing under 30. Sales to anyone under 21 carry escalating fines and license suspension. Retailers must also display state-issued warning signage. Compliance checks are conducted by the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare and the Providence Police Department. There is no military, employment, or family-purchase exemption.
First violations carry fines of several hundred dollars; repeat violations can result in suspension or revocation of the tobacco retailer license.
See how Providence's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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