Kentucky Mandates Licenses for All Tobacco and Vape Retailers by Jan. 1, 2026
All businesses in Kentucky that sell tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products will be required to have a state-issued license by January 1, 2026. This new mandate stems from Senate Bill 100, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear, which aims to strengthen enforcement and regulate the sale of these products across the commonwealth.
The legislation requires the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to conduct routine and unannounced compliance checks to ensure retailers are not selling to minors or distributing illegal products. The bill also introduces increased fines for violations and establishes a new enforcement team to investigate consumer complaints. A portion of the collected fines will be dedicated to youth vaping prevention efforts.
The Public Protection Cabinet has issued a reminder urging all affected businesses to submit their applications as soon as possible. Applications are available exclusively through the ABC’s newly launched Online Licensing Portal. Officials warn that without ample processing time, the ABC cannot guarantee licenses will be issued by the January 1st deadline.
Applications are available exclusively through ABC’s Online Licensing Portal, for more information or assistance, businesses can contact the ABC at [email protected].
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