Vape shops in DC need a tobacco retail license under DC Code 7-1721.04, must verify ID for buyers under 30, may not sell flavored e-liquids, and must keep all products behind the counter or in locked cases.
DC requires every retailer of electronic smoking devices to obtain a tobacco retail license from DCRA's Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Licenses cost $250 annually and require posting Tobacco 21 signage. Self-service displays are banned; products must be behind the counter or in locked cases. Online sales require third-party age-verification at order and signature on delivery. Vape shops within 300 feet of any school cannot sell flavored e-liquids, and citywide flavor bans apply to menthol vapes following the 2022 amendments.
Operating without a tobacco retail license, allowing self-service displays, or selling flavored e-liquids near schools can trigger DCRA fines up to $5,000 and license revocation for willful violations.
Washington, DC
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 a...
Washington, DC
DC's Flavored Tobacco Product Prohibition Amendment Act of 2021 bans retail sale of menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, flavored vape liquids, and flavored ...
See how Washington's vape retail rules rules stack up against other locations.
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