A Guide to Retailers - Arkansas State Law with respect to the sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18. |
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Arkansas law prohibits the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products to anyone less than 18 years of age. In addition, the law prohibits sales clerks from knowingly selling tobacco products to persons 18 and over when the products will be given to person(s) under 18. Retail storeowners who violate the law shall be subject to the following penalties: First violation: A fine of up to $250. Second violation within 48 months: A fine of up to $500 and up to 2-day suspension of tobacco license. Third violation within 48 months: A fine of up to $1,000 and up to a 7-day suspension of tobacco license. Four or more violations within 48 months: A fine of up to $2,000 and up to a 14-day suspension of tobacco license. Fifth violation within 48 months: Possible revocation of tobacco license. In addition, the above penalties against the permit holder, a sales clerk selling cigarettes or tobacco products to a minor will be subject to criminal penalties and shall be subject to a fine of up to $100 per violation plus court costs. A sign depicting a pack of cigarettes defaced by a red diagonal diameter of a surrounding red circle and the words It is a violation of the law for cigarettes or other tobacco products to be sold to or purchased by a person under he age of 18 must be prominently posted at each cash register. “We Card” signs DO NOT satisfy this legal requirement. A new toll-free Enforcement Hotline has been established to make it easier to report illegal sales to minors. The toll-free number is 1-877-ID TEENS. Possession of tobacco products by minors is permitted
when the minor is acting as an agent of the minor’s employer within the scope
of employment. |
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For additional information contact the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board (501) 682-9756 |