Tobacco Retailer's Certification

Overview

Retailer's certification

The state offers a voluntary program to certify licensed retail locations that sell tobacco and nicotine products. This certification ensures the store meets specific legal requirements under AS 43.70.075(t). Certification provides benefits such as reduced penalties for certain violations during the certification period.

Who qualifies?

To qualify for tobacco certification, retail locations must:

• Meet the requirements outlined in AS 43.70.075(t).
• Agree to work with the State to fix any issues if the initial inspection shows non-compliance

How to sign up

• Schedule an inspection: Contact the State to arrange a visit from an investigator
• On-Site review: The investigator will meet with the store manager (or a designated person) and check that all required items under AS 43.70.075(t)  are in place
• Achieve compliance: If the store does not meet the requirements, the State will help the retailer comply
• Receive certification: Once compliance is confirmed, the State will issue the store a tobacco certification valid for two years

How to use

• Stay compliant: Ensure the store continues to follow the requirements under AS 43.70.075(t)  and avoid violations of AS 11.76.100, 106, 107, or 109
• Benefits of certification: If a violation occurs during the two-year certification period, the store will receive a reduced penalty of a 10-day suspension instead of 20 days
• Renewal: Reapply for certification before the two-year period ends to maintain the benefits.
  This program is entirely optional but can be a valuable resource for tobacco retailers

Resources