Tobacco Enforcement & Youth Education
Decrease youth access to tobacco products from retailers
Who we are
In partnership with local communities, tobacco investigators conduct retail compliance checks using underage persons. Our primary goal is to decrease youth access to tobacco, e-cigarette and nicotine products from retailers.
What we do
- Monitor retailer compliance and provide technical support, a certification program, and educational classes on state laws regarding tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine products. Training is also offered to help retailers avoid selling to minors.
- Educate tobacco store owners, clerks, tobacco distributors, community members and police officers.
- Partner with other state agencies.
- Partner with Tobacco Control Community grantees.
- Partner with Public Health, Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPC).
- Help to enforce the Smoke-free Workplace Law.
Information for Tobacco Retailers
Federal law and policy affect tobacco product retailers in Alaska. To keep Alaskans informed, this page is updated with the most current information.
Tobacco 21: Age to Purchase Tobacco Products
The Alaska Business Licensing Act, located at Title 43, chapter 70 of the Alaska Statutes, requires a business license endorsement for each location where tobacco products, electronic smoking products, or nicotine products are sold. This used to be known as a “tobacco endorsement.”
The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business, & Professional Licensing issues endorsements to businesses. After reviewing the federal law, they determined that: “The minimum age to buy tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, or products containing nicotine is now 21; it is unlawful for any retailer to sell tobacco products, electronic smoking products, or products containing nicotine to any person younger than 21 years of age,” even though Alaska state law lists the minimum age as 19.
This other helpful information about business licensing requirements and tobacco sales can be found at the Business Licensing - Endorsement frequently asked questions (FAQs) page.
Retailers who violate the law face serious penalties. They can be fined, and if convicted, their authorization to sell can be suspended.
For additional information, or to report the unlawful sale of tobacco to a person under 19 years of age or other unlawful tobacco sales practices, contact:
State of Alaska Tobacco Enforcement Program
P.O. Box 110620
Juneau, AK 99811
Vendors are recommended to follow both the Alaska law and the Federal Tobacco 21 law. The federal law is enforced by the Food and Drug Administration.
Report potential violations online
Call: 877-287-1373
Email: CTPComplianve@FDA.hss.gov
Information for Tobacco and E-Cigarette Retailers
- How to comply with the newly mandated Federal Tobacco 21 Law
- Tobacco 21 - FDA Rules and Guidelines
- Flavor Restrictions
- Child Proof Vape Products – Poison Control Requirements