Richmond vape retailers must hold a Virginia retail tobacco license under Virginia Code Section 58.1-1011.1 and a Richmond business license, and comply with the statewide age-21 sales law and indoor-air rules.
Vape and tobacco retailers in Richmond must obtain a state retail tobacco license through the Virginia Department of Taxation under Virginia Code Section 58.1-1011.1, plus a Richmond business license under Chapter 6 of the city code. Retailers must collect Virginia tobacco taxes, post age-21 signage, verify customer age, and ensure vape products are FDA-listed. The Virginia Indoor Clean Air Act, Virginia Code Section 15.2-2820, applies to vaping in many enclosed spaces, with carve-outs for vape shops conducting tastings. Sales of flavored disposable vape products are subject to evolving FDA enforcement and state-level proposals.
Operating a vape shop without state and city licenses, selling to minors, or skirting tobacco taxes can lead to license revocation, civil penalties and inventory seizure.
See how Richmond's vape retail rules rules stack up against other locations.
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