Bill > S318

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for tobacco product sales in North Carolina, primarily focusing on protecting youth from nicotine addiction by raising the legal sales age for tobacco products to 21 years old. The bill creates a new Chapter 18D in the state's General Statutes that establishes detailed requirements for tobacco retail sales permits, including stringent age verification processes, permit application procedures, and administrative penalties for violations. Key provisions include mandating that all tobacco retailers obtain a permit from the ABC Commission, requiring age verification for both in-person and online sales, and implementing significant penalties for selling tobacco products to individuals under 21. Retailers must demand proof of age from prospective purchasers who appear to be under 30, train employees on age verification and identification detection, and prominently display warnings about age restrictions. The bill also establishes a system for seizure and forfeiture of tobacco products sold illegally, creates a directory of approved vapor and consumable products, and sets up a comprehensive enforcement mechanism with potential fines, permit suspensions, and revocations for non-compliance. The new regulations will become effective on May 1, 2026, giving businesses time to prepare for the new requirements.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S318