Penalties vary widely by state and depend on whether it's your first offense or you're a repeat violator. Here's a general picture:
| Offense | Typical Fine Range | Additional Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| 1st offense | $100 – $500 | Warning letter, staff training requirement |
| 2nd offense | $500 – $1,500 | Increased inspection frequency |
| 3rd offense | $1,000 – $3,000 | Possible license suspension (7-30 days) |
| 4th+ offense | $3,000 – $10,000+ | License revocation, criminal charges in some states |
⚠️ It's Not Just Fines
- License loss: Lose your tobacco retail license, and you can't sell any tobacco or vape products at all.
- Criminal charges: In some states, repeat violations can lead to misdemeanor or even felony charges.
- Reputational damage: Getting caught selling to minors generates bad press and community backlash.
- Civil lawsuits: If a minor gets harmed by products you sold them, you could face civil liability.
- FDA enforcement: The FDA can issue its own federal penalties on top of state ones.
