Retailers would face higher penalties for underage tobacco sales

Retailers would face fines of $750 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second, and $3,000 for each later violation. These fines would apply to prohibited tobacco sales, offers, or giveaways to people under 21. The defense requires a false age claim using accepted photo ID, an appearance of legal age, and reasonable, good-faith reliance on both.

The state tax division would have to suspend or revoke a retailer’s tobacco license once the required local steps are met. This applies to licensed tobacco retailers that violate the ban on providing covered products to people under 21. The town must hold a hearing and recommend license action. Revocation would be allowed only for a second or later violation. A payment could no longer replace suspension. The requirement would start 180 days after enactment.