Tobacco 21 Update
In November 2019, Pennsylvania passed a state law raising the minimum age of sale for all tobacco products from 18 to 21. The law took effect July 1, 2020. On December 20, 2019, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD& C Act) was amended raising the minimum age of sale for all tobacco products from 18 to 21 nationwide. The age change took effect immediately on December 20, 2019.
What does this mean for retailers?
Retailers across Pennsylvania can no longer sell any tobacco product (including e-cigarettes) to anyone under the age of 21. The following documents provide guidance to retailers regarding some of the impacts of these laws on tobacco retail sales. For more information, please refer to the downloadable documents on this page. Materials can be downloaded and printed, and signs can be ordered for free either online or by completing the downloadable order form and emailing or mailing it. Please e-mail the address linked below for questions or for requesting a mailing address:
E-mail: info@pactonline.org
Please note that tobacco retailers are responsible for knowing and complying with all federal and state laws regarding the sale and distribution of tobacco products. This guidance does not include all federal and state laws that apply to tobacco retailers.
For more information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or to report a potential tobacco violation, please visit: Act 112 (pa.gov).