Virginia Beach retailers must verify ID and refuse tobacco, nicotine vapor, and hemp-product sales to anyone under 21, following Virginia Code §18.2-371.2 statewide age rules.
Virginia Code §18.2-371.2 raised the minimum sales age for tobacco, nicotine vapor products, and alternative nicotine products to 21 in 2019, with limited exceptions for active-duty military. Retailers must demand photo ID for any buyer who appears under 30 and may not sell single cigarettes, free samples, or distribute tobacco through self-service displays accessible to minors. Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney prosecutes repeat retailer violations; the Virginia ABC enforces compliance through periodic underage buyer checks at convenience stores, vape shops, and gas stations across the city.
Selling tobacco or vape products to anyone under 21 is a civil offense with fines up to $100 first offense, $200 second, and $500 for subsequent violations under Virginia Code §18.2-371.2.
See how Virginia Beach's tobacco age restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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