Louisville, Kentucky, January 3, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, all retailers in Kentucky must obtain an annual state license for selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products. This regulation, part of Senate Bill 100, aims to enhance enforcement against underage sales and ensure compliance with state law. Retailers are expected to apply through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Online Licensing Portal, with compliance checks and penalties in place for violators. This measure is a proactive effort to curb youth vaping and allocate collected fines to prevention programs.
Louisville, Kentucky – New Vape License Adds to Existing Regulations
Effective January 1, 2026, all retailers in Kentucky selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products are required to obtain an annual state license through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). This new mandate aims to strengthen enforcement against underage sales and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill 100
- Licensing Requirement: All tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product retailers must secure a state license from ABC by January 1, 2026. Applications are available exclusively through ABC’s Online Licensing Portal. Retailers are encouraged to apply promptly to avoid potential delays.
- Enhanced Enforcement: The law grants ABC the authority to conduct routine and unannounced compliance checks to ensure retailers are not selling to minors or offering illegal products.
- Penalties for Violations: Retailers found in violation may face increased fines and penalties, including potential license revocation and criminal charges for selling without a valid license.
- Support for Youth Prevention Programs: A portion of the fines collected from violations will be allocated to youth vaping prevention efforts.
Background on Senate Bill 100
Senate Bill 100 was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 24, 2025. The legislation aims to curb underage vaping by holding retailers accountable for illegal sales and strengthening enforcement measures statewide. The bill was a response to concerns about the accessibility of harmful nicotine and vapor products to minors, leading to a rise in teen vaping.
Retailer Compliance and Application Process
Retailers engaged in the sale of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products as of January 1, 2026, are required to submit their applications through ABC’s Online Licensing Portal. The provisional license will remain valid until action is taken on the pending application. Retailers are advised to apply as soon as possible to ensure compliance and avoid potential enforcement actions.
Impact on the Retail Industry
The implementation of Senate Bill 100 has raised concerns among some vape retailers regarding the clarity of enforcement and the adequacy of guidance on compliance. Retailers emphasize the need for clear communication and proper training to ensure adherence to the new regulations.
Conclusion
The new licensing requirement for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product retailers in Kentucky is a significant step toward enhancing enforcement against underage sales and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Retailers are urged to familiarize themselves with the application process and adhere to the new requirements to avoid penalties and support the state’s efforts in curbing youth vaping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the new licensing requirement for Kentucky retailers?
Effective January 1, 2026, all retailers in Kentucky selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products must obtain an annual state license through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
2. How can retailers apply for the new license?
Retailers can apply exclusively through ABC’s Online Licensing Portal. Applications are available now, and retailers are encouraged to apply promptly to avoid potential delays.
3. What are the penalties for violating the new law?
Retailers found in violation may face increased fines and penalties, including potential license revocation and criminal charges for selling without a valid license.
4. How will the collected fines be used?
A portion of the fines collected from violations will be allocated to youth vaping prevention efforts.
5. What is the deadline for retailers to obtain the new license?
Retailers must obtain the new license by January 1, 2026. Applications are available now, and retailers are encouraged to apply promptly to avoid potential delays.
Key Features of the New Vape License Requirement in Kentucky
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirement | All retailers selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products must obtain an annual state license through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) by January 1, 2026. |
| Application Process | Applications are available exclusively through ABC’s Online Licensing Portal. Retailers are encouraged to apply promptly to avoid potential delays. |
| Enhanced Enforcement | The law grants ABC the authority to conduct routine and unannounced compliance checks to ensure retailers are not selling to minors or offering illegal products. |
| Penalties for Violations | Retailers found in violation may face increased fines and penalties, including potential license revocation and criminal charges for selling without a valid license. |
| Support for Youth Prevention Programs | A portion of the fines collected from violations will be allocated to youth vaping prevention efforts. |
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