During the 2019 Virginia General Assembly Session, lawmakers voted to increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco, nicotine vapor and alternative nicotine products from 18 to 21 years old. Beginning July 1, Virginia retailers will be prohibited from selling nicotine products to individuals under 21. The new law allows active duty military aged 18 or older with a valid military ID to purchase nicotine products.
“It’s important for nicotine product retailers to be aware of this new law and post the appropriate signage by July 1,” said Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) Chief Executive Officer Travis Hill. “As the commonwealth authority responsible for enforcement of laws pertaining to alcohol and nicotine products, Virginia ABC offers free training to help alcohol and nicotine product retailers to better understand this new law, as well as other ABC rules and regulations.”
In preparation for the July 1 effective date, retailers should remove any signs related to nicotine product usage at 18 years old and replace them with a downloadable sign, which reflects the new law. Additionally, ABC licensees will receive a postcard this month that can be displayed in their stores to inform customers about the new law.
In December, retailers will receive new “Do Not Sell” stickers to indicate customers must be at least 21 years of age to purchase nicotine products, with the exception of active duty military aged 18 or older. For more information, visit https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/training.
