Know Your Responsibility
To protect your business and Pennsylvania’s youth, the PA Department of Health sends inspectors to visit stores that sell tobacco to make sure they follow the law (
tobacco compliance checks). It is your responsibility to train your employees and make sure that you and your employees follow all tobacco sales laws.
PA State Law - Act 112, Section 6305
- No sale of any tobacco product to anyone under age 21 (including electronic cigarettes and vaping products)
- Tobacco must be kept behind the counter and within view of the cashier or the worker
- You must ask for photo ID
- You must display and age of sale warning sign
- It is illegal to sell single cigarettes (loosies) or other out of package tobacco products including cigars, e-cigs and other vaping products.
Fines and Penalties
Individuals can be fined:
- 1st offense - $100 - $250
- 2nd offense - $250 -$ 500
- After 2 offenses - $500 - $1,000
Businesses can be fined:
- 1st offense - $100 - $500
- 2nd offense - $500 -$ 1,000
- 3rd offense - $1,000 - $3,000
- After 3 offenses - $3,000 - $5,000
In addition, upon the third conviction of a retailer in a 24-month period, the PA Department of Revenue may, after the opportunity for a hearing, suspend the retailer’s cigarette license for up to 30 days. Upon a fourth conviction in any 24-month period, the department may, after the opportunity for a hearing, suspend the license for up to 60 days.
Download the printable flyer below.
