Kentucky lawmakers plan to strictly control the purchase of vapes by minors, requiring e-cigarette sellers to obtain a sales license, and police will have the right to search businesses without a warrant.
A Kentucky lawmaker plans to file a bill aimed at cracking down on illegal sales of e-cigarette brands to minors. WLKY reported on Nov. 19.
Senator Jimmy Higdon, a Republican, told state lawmakers on Tuesday that he was working on the legislation. The bill would require all businesses that sell cigarette or vape brands to obtain a sales license.
Under the new bill, businesses could have their licenses revoked if they are repeatedly caught selling to people under 21. In addition, the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control was granted (ABC) enforcement authority over these sellers and authorized police to enter these companies without a search warrant.
- “Control would be similar to ethanol control, which would allow police to enter and test premises without a warrant.” It will also enable them to recover evidence of criminal conduct.”
Suppliers must pay outstanding penalties before renewing a license and cannot apply for a new license for two years if the license is revoked.
Higdon said the first violation fine would be paid by the store clerk who sold to minors, and subsequent fines would be borne by the retailer.
In 2024, during the annual legislative session, Kentucky lawmakers passed House Bill 11 of the first legislative session looking to restrict the sale of “authorized commodities” or “safe harbor certified” products under its FDA regulations, curbing underage vaping.
