On September 1, 2019, Texas became the latest state to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products. Senate Bill 21 prohibits the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21. The law only allows individuals who are 18 years and older and serving in the military to purchase tobacco products with a valid military ID.
The Texas Comptroller will be performing random unannounced inspections at various locations where tobacco products are sold or distributed, to ensure compliance with the law. Individuals that commit an offense under the law, will face a fine of up to $100. Individuals convicted of an offense will be allowed to apply to the court to have the conviction expunged on or after their 21st birthday.
According to the Texas 21 Coalition, about 95% of smokers start before age 21. In Texas, 10,400 kids become daily smokers every year. And one-third of them will die prematurely as a result. Like other supporters of the new law, Texas 21 Coalition believes that by increasing the minimum age by three years should reduce the risk of addiction.
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If we have signs on the doors, and one by the tobacco fixture, do we need signs by the register? Each register? And is so, what specifically is needed by the registers? We do have the signs in English and Spanish on the doors. I am with CEFCO Convenience stores in Temple, TX.
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Thank you for your questions. According to the Temple, TX Code of Ordinances, the No Smoking posters only need to be displayed where customers can easily see it. Please see below:
Sec. 16-91. Posting of signs The owner, operator, manager or person in charge of an establishment or facility in which smoking is prohibited in all or a portion thereof shall conspicuously post signs informing the public that smoking is prohibited in the establishment or facility or a portion thereof. The manner of such posting shall be at the discretion of the owner, operator, manager or person in charge of an establishment or facility so long as the signs are conspicuous and state that smoking is prohibited and that an offense is punishable by a fine.
There is no requirement to display the posters in Spanish. Hope this helps.