Texas Comptroller licenses tobacco and e-cigarette retailers statewide under Tax Code Chapters 154 and 155. Fort Worth Code Chapter 8 layers local oversight, with the FW Code Compliance Department conducting age-verification compliance checks.
Texas requires every retailer selling cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products, or e-cigarettes to obtain a permit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Permits cost approximately $180 every two years and must be displayed at each location. Fort Worth Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Business Regulations) covers retail tobacco activity, while the Fort Worth Code Compliance and Public Health departments coordinate with state inspectors on age-verification compliance checks and signage requirements. State law since 2019 raised the minimum sales age to 21 and bars sales to anyone unable to produce valid identification. Online and mail orders must verify age. Vending machines are restricted to adult-only premises. Violations can lead to permit suspension or revocation by the Comptroller.
Selling without a state permit is a Class A misdemeanor; selling to a minor or without proper age verification carries fines $100-$1,000 plus permit suspension under Health & Safety Code Sec. 161.085.
Fort Worth, TX
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