Federal Tobacco 21 law since 2019 prohibits sales of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21. NC General Statute 14-313 also restricts youth access. NC partial preemption under NCGS 143-595 limits some local tobacco rules.
Federal law since December 2019 raised the minimum tobacco purchase age to 21 nationwide, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, vapor products, and hookah. NC General Statute 14-313 mirrors and enforces these restrictions, requiring photo ID verification for buyers appearing under 30. Wake County retailers face FDA compliance checks plus state Alcohol Law Enforcement audits. NCGS 143-595 partially preempts local tobacco regulation, limiting Raleigh's authority to impose stricter rules beyond what state law authorizes. Schools, healthcare facilities, and government buildings have specific tobacco-free designations under separate authority.
Selling to underage buyers can trigger civil penalties up to 1,000 dollars per violation under state law, FDA fines, business permit suspension, and potential clerk criminal charges for repeat violations.
See how Raleigh's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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