Kentucky regulates vapor and alternative nicotine product retail under KRS §438.305 and KRS §438.310. Louisville vape shops must follow state age, signage, and product registry rules; no separate Metro license currently exists.
Kentucky treats vapor and alternative nicotine products as regulated tobacco products under KRS §438.305 (Tobacco 21) and KRS §438.310 (signage and self-service display restrictions). HB 11 of 2024 added a state vapor product directory: only products listed on the Kentucky Department of Revenue's certified directory may be sold legally beginning in 2025. Louisville Metro has not adopted a stand-alone vape retail license, but standard occupational tax and zoning rules under Louisville Metro Code Chapter 110 apply. Self-service displays of vape products are prohibited where minors have access; sales are face-to-face with employee handoff.
Selling unlisted vapor products, self-service violations, or signage failures may result in civil penalties and possible state action against the retailer's tobacco/vapor permit.
See how Louisville's vape retail rules rules stack up against other locations.
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