Kentucky businesses that sell tobacco, nicotine, or vaping products must obtain a state license by Jan. 1, 2026, or face fines and potential criminal penalties under a new law aimed at reducing youth access.

The requirement is part of Senate Bill 100, signed into law by Andy Beshear on March 24, 2025, which targets retailers of tobacco, nicotine, and vaping products to ensure stronger youth-access protections.

Secretary Ray Perry of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control said the legislation addresses increasing concerns from parents, teachers, and youth advocates about how easily young people can access vaping and nicotine products. In a news release he stated: “This licensing process gives our teams the tools they need to protect Kentucky’s youth.”

Under the law, all retailers selling tobacco, nicotine, or vaping products must obtain an annual license through Kentucky ABC. The regulatory framework also improves enforcement by requiring routine compliance checks and establishing a new team to investigate complaints. The legislation directs a portion of fines to youth-vaping prevention programs.

Retailers are encouraged to apply promptly through the ABC’s Online Licensing Portal to ensure their licenses are processed before the Jan. 1 deadline.