Last updated: January 14, 2021
Penalties
Sales Restrictions
A violation of the ban on single cigarette sales or the ban on internet sales is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
A violation of the ban on internet sales is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a violation is punishable by a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
A violation of the ban on vending machine sales is considered a violation of the requirements for a retail license to sell tobacco. As such, vending machine violations are subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000. For repeat violations, violators are subject to a fine not exceeding $20,000.
Sellers who violate the ban on smokeless tobacco and waterpipe tobacco are subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a violation is punishable by a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both. Individuals who possess, purchase or use smokeless tobacco or waterpipe tobacco are subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Tobacco sales are not restricted by location; therefore, there are no associated penalties.
Minimum Retail Package Size
A violation of the minimum retail package size is punishable by a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a violation is punishable by a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
Minimum Legal Sales Age
A violation of the ban on sales to under-age persons is punishable by a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.