Last updated: February 5, 2021
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The law requires that all cigarettes be sold in “an intact package containing not less than twenty sticks.” This effectively bans the sale of single cigarettes.
To more fully align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should affirmatively prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The law prohibits vending machine sales of tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machine sales.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products through the internet.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.
Playgrounds
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in sports, athletic and recreational facilities. Because it is uncertain whether playgrounds would be considered sports, athletic or recreational facilities, the regulatory status code, “Uncertain,” is given.
Stadiums/arenas
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in sports, athletic, and recreational facilities.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in healthcare facilities.
Cultural facilities
The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.
Government buildings
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in government buildings.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
The law prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco in unit packages weighing less than 20 grams.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law does not require a specific retail license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.
