Virginia Code Section 18.2-371.2 sets the minimum age to buy tobacco, nicotine vapor and hemp products at 21 statewide; Richmond retailers must check ID on every sale to anyone appearing under 30.
Virginia Code Section 18.2-371.2, amended in 2019, raised the minimum legal sales age for tobacco, nicotine vapor products and alternative nicotine products to 21. The law applies to all retailers in Richmond, including grocery stores, gas stations, vape shops and convenience stores. Retailers must request a government-issued photo ID from any purchaser who appears under 30 and may not sell to anyone under 21 except active military aged 18 to 20. Violations carry escalating civil penalties on the retailer and possible suspension of state and city tobacco-retail business licenses.
Selling tobacco or vape products to anyone under 21, or failing to check ID, can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation and Richmond business-license action.
See how Richmond's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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