Bill > HB308

This bill transfers the responsibility for permitting and enforcing regulations related to retail tobacco products and liquid nicotine from the Department of Taxation to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority, establishing a new permitting system for tobacco retailers. Key provisions include defining terms like "retail tobacco product," "electronic smoking device," and "retail tobacco permit," and outlining the ABC Authority's new powers to grant, suspend, and revoke these permits. The bill mandates that the ABC Authority conduct unannounced underage buyer operations at least every 24 months to ensure retailers are not selling to individuals under 21, with additional operations required if a violation is found. It also requires retailers to maintain records of tobacco product sales, establishes penalties for violations, and mandates that the ABC Authority report annually to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of these underage buyer operations. Furthermore, the bill requires the ABC Authority and the Office of the Attorney General to coordinate and jointly fund the implementation and regulation of these new provisions from any revenues generated. Some provisions of this bill will take effect on October 1, 2026.