DC Code 7-1721.02 bans sale, delivery, and distribution of any tobacco, vape, or nicotine product to anyone under 21, with photo ID required for buyers who appear under 30.
The DC Tobacco 21 Amendment Act raised the minimum sales age to 21 effective 2018, well before federal Tobacco 21 (2019). Retailers must check government-issued photo identification for any customer who appears younger than 30. The rule covers cigarettes, cigars, hookah, smokeless tobacco, vape devices, e-liquids, and synthetic-nicotine products. Internet sales must verify age at order and at delivery. There is no military or active-duty exception in DC, unlike some states. Retailers caught selling face escalating fines and possible tobacco retail license suspension.
Selling to anyone under 21, failing to ID buyers under 30, or self-service vending of tobacco can trigger fines from $1,000 first offense to $10,000 plus license suspension for repeat violations.
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