TOBACCO — ACCESS TO MINORS

RCW 70.155
in effect

RCW 70.155.005 Legislative findings.

(1) The legislature finds that chapter 15, Laws of 2019 furthers the public health, safety, and welfare by reducing youth access to addictive and harmful products. (2) While present state law prohibits the sale and distribution of tobacco and vapor products to youth under the age of eighteen, youth obtain these products with ease. (3) The legislature recognizes that many people who purchase cigarettes for minors are between the ages of eighteen to twenty. By decreasing the number of eligible buyers in high school, raising the minimum legal age to sell tobacco and vapor products will decrease the access of students to tobacco products. According to the 2014 healthy youth survey, forty-one percent of tenth graders say it is "sort of easy" to "very easy" to get cigarettes. Nationally, among youth who smoke, more than twice as many get their cigarettes from social sources than from a store or vending machine. (4) The legislature recognizes that ninety-five percent of smokers start by the age of twenty-one. (5) The legislature recognizes that jurisdictions across the country are increasing the age of sale for tobacco products to twenty-one. As of October 2018, six states (California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Oregon), the District of Columbia, the territory of Guam, and more than three hundred fifty cities and counties in twenty-one states have raised the minimum legal sales age to twenty-one. Approximately thirty percent of the population of the United States is covered by such a policy. (6) The legislature recognizes the scientific report issued by the national institute of medicine, one of the most prestigious scientific authorities in the United States, which predicted that increasing the age of sale for tobacco products in the United States to twenty-one will significantly reduce the number of adolescents and young adults who start smoking, reduce deaths from smoking, and immediately improve the health of adolescents, young adults, young mothers, and their children. (7) The legislature recognizes the national institute of medicine report predicted increasing the tobacco sale age will make the greatest difference among those ages fifteen to seventeen, who will no longer be able to pass for legal age and will have a harder time getting tobacco products from older classmates and friends. The national institute of medicine report also predicted raising the minimum age for the sale of tobacco products in the United States to twenty-one will, over time, reduce the smoking rate by about twelve percent and smoking-related deaths by ten percent. (8) The legislature recognizes scientific study of the brain is increasingly showing that the brain continues to be highly vulnerable to addictive substances until age twenty-five. Nicotine adversely affects the development of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in adolescents. (9) The legislature recognizes that a strategy of increasing the minimum legal age for alcohol was highly successful in reducing adverse effects of alcohol consumption. A national drinking age of twenty-one resulted in reduced alcohol consumption among youth, decreased alcohol dependence, and has led to significant reductions in drunk driving fatalities. (10) The legislature recognizes that if the age of sale is raised to twenty-one, eighteen to twenty year olds will likely substitute other in-store purchases for cigarettes. The legislature recognizes that when Needham, Massachusetts raised the smoking age to twenty-one in 2005, no convenience stores went out of business. (11) The legislature recognizes that reducing the youth smoking rate will save lives and reduce health care costs. Every year, two billion eight hundred ten million dollars in health care costs can be directly attributed to tobacco use in Washington. Smoking-caused government expenditures cost every Washington household eight hundred twenty-one dollars per year. (12) Federal law requires states to enforce laws prohibiting sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors in a manner that can reasonably be expected to reduce the extent to which the products are available to minors. It is imperative to effectively reduce the sale, distribution, and availability of tobacco products to minors. (1) The legislature finds that chapter 15, Laws of 2019 furthers the public health, safety, and welfare by reducing youth access to addictive and harmful products. (2) While present state law prohibits the sale and distribution of tobacco and vapor products to youth under the age of eighteen, youth obtain these products with ease. (3) The legislature recognizes that many people who purchase cigarettes for minors are between the ages of eighteen to twenty. By decreasing the number of eligible buyers in high school, raising the minimum legal age to sell tobacco and vapor products will decrease the access of students to tobacco products. According to the 2014 healthy youth survey, forty-one percent of tenth graders say it is "sort of easy" to "very easy" to get cigarettes. Nationally, among youth who smoke, more than twice as many get their cigarettes from social sources than from a store or vending machine. (4) The legislature recognizes that ninety-five percent of smokers start by the age of twenty-one. (5) The legislature recognizes that jurisdictions across the country are increasing the age of sale for tobacco products to twenty-one. As of October 2018, six states (California, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Oregon), the District of Columbia, the territory of Guam, and more than three hundred fifty cities and counties in twenty-one states have raised the minimum legal sales age to twenty-one. Approximately thirty percent of the population of the United States is covered by such a policy. (6) The legislature recognizes the scientific report issued by the national institute of medicine, one of the most prestigious scientific authorities in the United States, which predicted that increasing the age of sale for tobacco products in the United States to twenty-one will significantly reduce the number of adolescents and young adults who start smoking, reduce deaths from smoking, and immediately improve the health of adolescents, young adults, young mothers, and their children. (7) The legislature recognizes the national institute of medicine report predicted increasing the tobacco sale age will make the greatest difference among those ages fifteen to seventeen, who will no longer be able to pass for legal age and will have a harder time getting tobacco products from older classmates and friends. The national institute of medicine report also predicted raising the minimum age for the sale of tobacco products in the United States to twenty-one will, over time, reduce the smoking rate by about twelve percent and smoking-related deaths by ten percent. (8) The legislature recognizes scientific study of the brain is increasingly showing that the brain continues to be highly vulnerable to addictive substances until age twenty-five. Nicotine adversely affects the development of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in adolescents. (9) The legislature recognizes that a strategy of increasing the minimum legal age for alcohol was highly successful in reducing adverse effects of alcohol consumption. A national drinking age of twenty-one resulted in reduced alcohol consumption among youth, decreased alcohol dependence, and has led to significant reductions in drunk driving fatalities. (10) The legislature recognizes that if the age of sale is raised to twenty-one, eighteen to twenty year olds will likely substitute other in-store purchases for cigarettes. The legislature recognizes that when Needham, Massachusetts raised the smoking age to twenty-one in 2005, no convenience stores went out of business. (11) The legislature recognizes that reducing the youth smoking rate will save lives and reduce health care costs. Every year, two billion eight hundred ten million dollars in health care costs can be directly attributed to tobacco use in Washington. Smoking-caused government expenditures cost every Washington household eight hundred twenty-one dollars per year. (12) Federal law requires states to enforce laws prohibiting sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors in a manner that can reasonably be expected to reduce the extent to which the products are available to minors. It is imperative to effectively reduce the sale, distribution, and availability of tobacco products to minors.

RCW 70.155.010 Definitions.

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6113-S.SL ) *** The definitions set forth in RCW 82.24.010 apply to this chapter. In addition, for the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise required by the context: (1) "Board" means the Washington state liquor and cannabis board. (2) "Internet" means any computer network, telephonic network, or other electronic network. (3) "Sample" means a tobacco product distributed to members of the general public at no cost or at nominal cost for product promotion purposes. (4) "Sampling" means the distribution of samples to members of the public. (5) "Tobacco product" means a product that contains tobacco and is intended for human use, including any product defined in RCW 82.24.010 (2) or 82.26.010 (21), except that for the purposes of RCW 70.155.140 only, "tobacco product" does not include cigars defined in RCW 82.26.010 as to which one thousand units weigh more than three pounds. (6) "Vapor product" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 70.345.010 . The definitions set forth in RCW 82.24.010 apply to this chapter. In addition, for the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise required by the context: (1) "Board" means the Washington state liquor and cannabis board. (2) "Internet" means any computer network, telephonic network, or other electronic network. (3) "Sample" means a tobacco product distributed to members of the general public at no cost or at nominal cost for product promotion purposes. (4) "Sampling" means the distribution of samples to members of the public. (5) "Tobacco product" means a product that contains tobacco and is intended for human use, including any product defined in RCW 82.24.010 (2) or 82.26.010 (21), except that for the purposes of RCW 70.155.140 only, "tobacco product" does not include cigars defined in RCW 82.26.010 as to which one thousand units weigh more than three pounds. (6) "Vapor product" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 70.345.010 .

RCW 70.155.020 Cigarette wholesaler or retailer licensee duties — Prohibition sign to be posted.

A person who holds a license issued under RCW 82.24.520 or 82.24.530 shall: (1) Display the license or a copy in a prominent location at the outlet for which the license is issued; and (2) Display a sign concerning the prohibition of tobacco sales to persons under the age of twenty-one. Such sign shall: (a) Be posted so that it is clearly visible to anyone purchasing tobacco products from the licensee; (b) Be designed and produced by the department of health to read: "THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER AGE 21 IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PHOTO ID REQUIRED UPON REQUEST"; and (c) Be provided free of charge by the liquor and cannabis board. A person who holds a license issued under RCW 82.24.520 or 82.24.530 shall: (1) Display the license or a copy in a prominent location at the outlet for which the license is issued; and (2) Display a sign concerning the prohibition of tobacco sales to persons under the age of twenty-one. Such sign shall: (a) Be posted so that it is clearly visible to anyone purchasing tobacco products from the licensee; (b) Be designed and produced by the department of health to read: "THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER AGE 21 IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. PHOTO ID REQUIRED UPON REQUEST"; and (c) Be provided free of charge by the liquor and cannabis board.

RCW 70.155.030 Cigarette machine location.

(1) No person shall sell or permit to be sold any tobacco product through any device that mechanically dispenses tobacco products unless the device is located fully within premises from which persons under the age of twenty-one are prohibited or in industrial worksites where persons under the age of twenty-one are not employed and not less than ten feet from all entrance or exit ways to and from each premise. (2) The board shall adopt rules that allow an exception to the requirement that a device be located not less than ten feet from all entrance or exit ways to and from a premise if it is architecturally impractical for the device to be located not less than ten feet from all entrance and exit ways. (1) No person shall sell or permit to be sold any tobacco product through any device that mechanically dispenses tobacco products unless the device is located fully within premises from which persons under the age of twenty-one are prohibited or in industrial worksites where persons under the age of twenty-one are not employed and not less than ten feet from all entrance or exit ways to and from each premise. (2) The board shall adopt rules that allow an exception to the requirement that a device be located not less than ten feet from all entrance or exit ways to and from a premise if it is architecturally impractical for the device to be located not less than ten feet from all entrance and exit ways.

RCW 70.155.040 Cigarettes must be sold in original package — Exception.

No person shall sell or permit to be sold cigarettes not in the original unopened package or container to which the stamps required by RCW 82.24.060 have been affixed. This section does not apply to the sale of loose leaf tobacco by a retail business that generates a minimum of sixty percent of annual gross sales from the sale of tobacco products. No person shall sell or permit to be sold cigarettes not in the original unopened package or container to which the stamps required by RCW 82.24.060 have been affixed. This section does not apply to the sale of loose leaf tobacco by a retail business that generates a minimum of sixty percent of annual gross sales from the sale of tobacco products.

RCW 70.155.050 Sampling prohibited — Penalty.

(1) No person may engage in the business of sampling tobacco products. (2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor. (1) No person may engage in the business of sampling tobacco products. (2) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

RCW 70.155.070 Coupons.

No person shall give or distribute cigarettes or other tobacco products to a person by a coupon if such coupon is redeemed in any manner that does not require an in-person transaction in a retail store. No person shall give or distribute cigarettes or other tobacco products to a person by a coupon if such coupon is redeemed in any manner that does not require an in-person transaction in a retail store.

RCW 70.155.080 Purchasing, possessing by persons under 18 — Civil infraction — Jurisdiction.

(1) A person under the age of eighteen who purchases or attempts to purchase, possesses, or obtains or attempts to obtain cigarettes or tobacco products commits a class 3 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and is subject to participation in up to four hours of community service and referral to a smoking cessation program at no cost. This provision does not apply if a person under the age of eighteen, with parental authorization, is participating in a controlled purchase as part of a liquor and cannabis board, law enforcement, or local health department activity. (2) Municipal and district courts within the state have jurisdiction for enforcement of this section. (1) A person under the age of eighteen who purchases or attempts to purchase, possesses, or obtains or attempts to obtain cigarettes or tobacco products commits a class 3 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and is subject to participation in up to four hours of community service and referral to a smoking cessation program at no cost. This provision does not apply if a person under the age of eighteen, with parental authorization, is participating in a controlled purchase as part of a liquor and cannabis board, law enforcement, or local health department activity. (2) Municipal and district courts within the state have jurisdiction for enforcement of this section.

RCW 70.155.090 Age identification requirement.

(1) Where there may be a question of a person's right to purchase or obtain tobacco products by reason of age, the retailer or agent thereof , shall require the purchaser to present any one of the following officially issued identification that shows the purchaser's age and bears his or her signature and photograph: (a) Liquor control authority card of identification of a state or province of Canada; (b) driver's license, instruction permit, or identification card of a state or province of Canada; (c) "identicard" issued by the Washington state department of licensing under chapter 46.20 RCW; (d) United States military identification; (e) passport; (f) enrollment card, issued by the governing authority of a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Washington, that incorporates security features comparable to those implemented by the department of licensing for Washington drivers' licenses. At least ninety days prior to implementation of an enrollment card under this subsection, the appropriate tribal authority shall give notice to the board. The board shall publish and communicate to licensees regarding the implementation of each new enrollment card; or (g) merchant marine identification card issued by the United States coast guard. (2) It is a defense to a prosecution under RCW 26.28.080 that the person making a sale reasonably relied on any of the officially issued identification as defined in subsection (1) of this section. The *liquor control board shall waive the suspension or revocation of a license if the licensee clearly establishes that he or she acted in good faith to prevent violations and a violation occurred despite the licensee's exercise of due diligence. (1) Where there may be a question of a person's right to purchase or obtain tobacco products by reason of age, the retailer or agent thereof , shall require the purchaser to present any one of the following officially issued identification that shows the purchaser's age and bears his or her signature and photograph: (a) Liquor control authority card of identification of a state or province of Canada; (b) driver's license, instruction permit, or identification card of a state or province of Canada; (c) "identicard" issued by the Washington state department of licensing under chapter 46.20 RCW; (d) United States military identification; (e) passport; (f) enrollment card, issued by the governing authority of a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Washington, that incorporates security features comparable to those implemented by the department of licensing for Washington drivers' licenses. At least ninety days prior to implementation of an enrollment card under this subsection, the appropriate tribal authority shall give notice to the board. The board shall publish and communicate to licensees regarding the implementation of each new enrollment card; or (g) merchant marine identification card issued by the United States coast guard. (2) It is a defense to a prosecution under RCW 26.28.080 that the person making a sale reasonably relied on any of the officially issued identification as defined in subsection (1) of this section. The *liquor control board shall waive the suspension or revocation of a license if the licensee clearly establishes that he or she acted in good faith to prevent violations and a violation occurred despite the licensee's exercise of due diligence.

RCW 70.155.100 Penalties, sanctions, and actions against licensees.

(1) The liquor and cannabis board may suspend or revoke a retailer's license issued under RCW 82.24.510 (1)(b) or 82.26.150 (1)(b) held by a business at any location, or may impose a monetary penalty as set forth in subsection (3) of this section, if the liquor and cannabis board finds that the licensee has violated RCW 26.28.080 , 70.155.020 , 70.155.030 , 70.155.040 , 70.155.050 , 70.155.070 , or 70.155.090 . (2) Any retailer's licenses issued under RCW 70.345.020 to a person whose license or licenses under chapter 82.24 or 82.26 RCW have been suspended or revoked for violating RCW 26.28.080 must also be suspended or revoked during the period of suspension or revocation under this section. (3) The sanctions that the liquor and cannabis board may impose against a person licensed under RCW 82.24.530 or 82.26.170 based upon one or more findings under subsection (1) of this section may not exceed the following: (a) For violations of RCW 70.155.020 or 21 C.F.R. Sec. 1140.14, and for violations of RCW 70.155.040 occurring on the licensed premises: (i) A monetary penalty of $200 for the first violation within any three-year period; (ii) A monetary penalty of $600 for the second violation within any three-year period; (iii) A monetary penalty of $2,000 and suspension of the license for a period of six months for the third violation within any three-year period; (iv) A monetary penalty of $3,000 and suspension of the license for a period of 12 months for the fourth violation within any three-year period; (v) Revocation of the license with no possibility of reinstatement for a period of five years for the fifth or more violation within any three-year period; (b) For violations of RCW 26.28.080 : (i) A monetary penalty of $1,000 for the first violation within any three-year period; (ii) A monetary penalty of $2,500 for the second violation within any three-year period; (iii) A monetary penalty of $5,000 and suspension of the license for a period of six months for the third violation within any three-year period; (iv) A monetary penalty of $10,000 and suspension of the license for a period of 12 months for the fourth violation within any three-year period; (v) Revocation of the license with no possibility of reinstatement for a period of five years for the fifth or more violation within any three-year period; (c) If the board finds that a person licensed under chapter 82.24 or 82.26 RCW and RCW 70.345.020 has violated RCW 26.28.080 , each subsequent violation of either of the person's licenses counts as an additional violation within that three-year period; (d) For violations of RCW 70.155.030 , a monetary penalty in the amount of $100 for each day upon which such violation occurred; (e) For violations of RCW 70.155.050 , a monetary penalty in the amount of $600 for each violation; (f) For violations of RCW 70.155.070 , a monetary penalty in the amount of $2,000 for each violation. (4) The liquor and cannabis board may impose a monetary penalty upon any person other than a licensed cigarette or tobacco product retailer if the liquor and cannabis board finds that the person has violated RCW 26.28.080 , 70.155.020 , 70.155.030 , 70.155.040 , 70.155.050 , 70.155.070 , or 70.155.090 . (5) The monetary penalty that the liquor and cannabis board may impose based upon one or more findings under subsection (4) of this section may not exceed the following: (a) For violation of RCW 26.28.080 or 70.155.020 , $100 for the first violation and $200 for each subsequent violation; (b) For violations of RCW 70.155.030 , $200 for each day upon which such violation occurred; (c) For violations of RCW 70.155.040 , $200 for each violation; (d) For violations of RCW 70.155.050 , $600 for each violation; (e) For violations of RCW 70.155.070 , $2,000 for each violation. (6) The liquor and cannabis board may develop and offer a class for retail clerks and use this class in lieu of a monetary penalty for the clerk's first violation. (7) The liquor and cannabis board may issue a cease and desist order to any person who is found by the liquor and cannabis board to have violated or intending to violate the provisions of this chapter, RCW 26.28.080 , 82.24.500 , or 82.26.190 requiring such person to cease specified conduct that is in violation. The issuance of a cease and desist order does not preclude the imposition of other sanctions authorized by this statute or any other provision of law. (8) The liquor and cannabis board may seek injunctive relief to enforce the provisions of RCW 26.28.080 , 82.24.500 , 82.26.190 or this chapter. The liquor and cannabis board may initiate legal action to collect civil penalties imposed under this chapter if the same have not been paid within thirty days after imposition of such penalties. In any action filed by the liquor and cannabis board under this chapter, the court may, in addition to any other relief, award the liquor and cannabis board reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. (9) All proceedings under subsections (1) through (7) of this section shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. (10) The liquor and cannabis board may reduce or waive either the penalties or the suspension or revocation of a license, or both, as set forth in this chapter where the elements of proof are inadequate or where there are mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances may include, but are not limited to, an exercise of due diligence by a retailer. Further, the board may exceed penalties set forth in this chapter based on aggravating circumstances. (1) The liquor and cannabis board may suspend or revoke a retailer's license issued under RCW 82.24.510 (1)(b) or 82.26.150 (1)(b) held by a business at any location, or may impose a monetary penalty as set forth in subsection (3) of this section, if the liquor and cannabis board finds that the licensee has violated RCW 26.28.080 , 70.155.020 , 70.155.030 , 70.155.040 , 70.155.050 , 70.155.070 , or 70.155.090 . (2) Any retailer's licenses issued under RCW 70.345.020 to a person whose license or licenses under chapter 82.24 or 82.26 RCW have been suspended or revoked for violating RCW 26.28.080 must also be suspended or revoked during the period of suspension or revocation under this section. (3) The sanctions that the liquor and cannabis board may impose against a person licensed under RCW 82.24.530 or 82.26.170 based upon one or more findings under subsection (1) of this section may not exceed the following: (a) For violations of RCW 70.155.020 or 21 C.F.R. Sec. 1140.14, and for violations of RCW 70.155.040 occurring on the licensed premises: (i) A monetary penalty of $200 for the first violation within any three-year period; (ii) A monetary penalty of $600 for the second violation within any three-year period; (iii) A monetary penalty of $2,000 and suspension of the license for a period of six months for the third violation within any three-year period; (iv) A monetary penalty of $3,000 and suspension of the license for a period of 12 months for the fourth violation within any three-year period; (v) Revocation of the license with no possibility of reinstatement for a period of five years for the fifth or more violation within any three-year period; (b) For violations of RCW 26.28.080 : (i) A monetary penalty of $1,000 for the first violation within any three-year period; (ii) A monetary penalty of $2,500 for the second violation within any three-year period; (iii) A monetary penalty of $5,000 and suspension of the license for a period of six months for the third violation within any three-year period; (iv) A monetary penalty of $10,000 and suspension of the license for a period of 12 months for the fourth violation within any three-year period; (v) Revocation of the license with no possibility of reinstatement for a period of five years for the fifth or more violation within any three-year period; (c) If the board finds that a person licensed under chapter 82.24 or 82.26 RCW and RCW 70.345.020 has violated RCW 26.28.080 , each subsequent violation of either of the person's licenses counts as an additional violation within that three-year period; (d) For violations of RCW 70.155.030 , a monetary penalty in the amount of $100 for each day upon which such violation occurred; (e) For violations of RCW 70.155.050 , a monetary penalty in the amount of $600 for each violation; (f) For violations of RCW 70.155.070 , a monetary penalty in the amount of $2,000 for each violation. (4) The liquor and cannabis board may impose a monetary penalty upon any person other than a licensed cigarette or tobacco product retailer if the liquor and cannabis board finds that the person has violated RCW 26.28.080 , 70.155.020 , 70.155.030 , 70.155.040 , 70.155.050 , 70.155.070 , or 70.155.090 . (5) The monetary penalty that the liquor and cannabis board may impose based upon one or more findings under subsection (4) of this section may not exceed the following: (a) For violation of RCW 26.28.080 or 70.155.020 , $100 for the first violation and $200 for each subsequent violation; (b) For violations of RCW 70.155.030 , $200 for each day upon which such violation occurred; (c) For violations of RCW 70.155.040 , $200 for each violation; (d) For violations of RCW 70.155.050 , $600 for each violation; (e) For violations of RCW 70.155.070 , $2,000 for each violation. (6) The liquor and cannabis board may develop and offer a class for retail clerks and use this class in lieu of a monetary penalty for the clerk's first violation. (7) The liquor and cannabis board may issue a cease and desist order to any person who is found by the liquor and cannabis board to have violated or intending to violate the provisions of this chapter, RCW 26.28.080 , 82.24.500 , or 82.26.190 requiring such person to cease specified conduct that is in violation. The issuance of a cease and desist order does not preclude the imposition of other sanctions authorized by this statute or any other provision of law. (8) The liquor and cannabis board may seek injunctive relief to enforce the provisions of RCW 26.28.080 , 82.24.500 , 82.26.190 or this chapter. The liquor and cannabis board may initiate legal action to collect civil penalties imposed under this chapter if the same have not been paid within thirty days after imposition of such penalties. In any action filed by the liquor and cannabis board under this chapter, the court may, in addition to any other relief, award the liquor and cannabis board reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. (9) All proceedings under subsections (1) through (7) of this section shall be conducted in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. (10) The liquor and cannabis board may reduce or waive either the penalties or the suspension or revocation of a license, or both, as set forth in this chapter where the elements of proof are inadequate or where there are mitigating circumstances. Mitigating circumstances may include, but are not limited to, an exercise of due diligence by a retailer. Further, the board may exceed penalties set forth in this chapter based on aggravating circumstances.

RCW 70.155.110 Liquor and cannabis board authority.

(1) The board shall, in addition to the board's other powers and authorities, have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and RCW 26.28.080 and 82.24.500 . The board shall have full power to revoke or suspend the license of any retailer or wholesaler in accordance with the provisions of RCW 70.155.100 . (2) The board and the board's authorized agents or employees shall have full power and authority to enter any place of business where tobacco products are sold for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. (3)(a) For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and RCW 26.28.080 and 82.24.500 , an enforcement officer of the board who has reasonable grounds to believe a person observed by the officer in proximity to a retailer licensee under chapters 82.24 and 82.26 RCW who is purchasing, attempting to purchase, or in possession of tobacco products is under the age of eighteen years of age, may detain such person in proximity to such retailer for a reasonable period of time and in such a reasonable manner as is necessary to determine the person's true identity and date of birth. Further, tobacco products possessed by persons under the age of eighteen years of age are considered contraband and may be seized by an enforcement officer of the board. (b) Any enforcement officer who detains a person for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and RCW 26.28.080 and 82.24.500 must collect the following information for each fiscal year since 2018: (i) The total number of interactions where an enforcement officer detained a person; (ii) Information on the nature of each interaction, including the duration of the interaction, the justification for the interaction, the number of such persons who were under 18 years of age, the number of such persons who were over 18 but under 21 years of age, and whether any citation or warning was issued; (iii) How many interactions converted to administrative violation notices; and (iv) How many of the interactions and administrative violation notices converted to retailer education and violations. (c) The board must compile the information collected pursuant to (b) of this subsection, along with any associated demographic data in the possession of the board, and conduct a comparative analysis of all interactions of enforcement officers with persons detained for the purpose of enforcing Title 66 RCW and chapter 69.50 RCW into a statewide report and provide the report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2023, and annually thereafter. (d) All enforcement officers of the board who enforce the provisions of this section and will have interactions with persons under the age of 18 years old must begin receiving training from the United States department of justice office of juvenile justice and delinquency prevention prior to July 1, 2024. (e) For the purposes of this subsection, "proximity" means 100 feet or less. (4) The board may work with local county health departments or districts and local law enforcement agencies to conduct random, unannounced, inspections to assure compliance. (1) The board shall, in addition to the board's other powers and authorities, have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and RCW 26.28.080 and 82.24.500 . The board shall have full power to revoke or suspend the license of any retailer or wholesaler in accordance with the provisions of RCW 70.155.100 . (2) The board and the board's authorized agents or employees shall have full power and authority to enter any place of business where tobacco products are sold for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. (3)(a) For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and RCW 26.28.080 and 82.24.500 , an enforcement officer of the board who has reasonable grounds to believe a person observed by the officer in proximity to a retailer licensee under chapters 82.24 and 82.26 RCW who is purchasing, attempting to purchase, or in possession of tobacco products is under the age of eighteen years of age, may detain such person in proximity to such retailer for a reasonable period of time and in such a reasonable manner as is necessary to determine the person's true identity and date of birth. Further, tobacco products possessed by persons under the age of eighteen years of age are considered contraband and may be seized by an enforcement officer of the board. (b) Any enforcement officer who detains a person for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and RCW 26.28.080 and 82.24.500 must collect the following information for each fiscal year since 2018: (i) The total number of interactions where an enforcement officer detained a person; (ii) Information on the nature of each interaction, including the duration of the interaction, the justification for the interaction, the number of such persons who were under 18 years of age, the number of such persons who were over 18 but under 21 years of age, and whether any citation or warning was issued; (iii) How many interactions converted to administrative violation notices; and (iv) How many of the interactions and administrative violation notices converted to retailer education and violations. (c) The board must compile the information collected pursuant to (b) of this subsection, along with any associated demographic data in the possession of the board, and conduct a comparative analysis of all interactions of enforcement officers with persons detained for the purpose of enforcing Title 66 RCW and chapter 69.50 RCW into a statewide report and provide the report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2023, and annually thereafter. (d) All enforcement officers of the board who enforce the provisions of this section and will have interactions with persons under the age of 18 years old must begin receiving training from the United States department of justice office of juvenile justice and delinquency prevention prior to July 1, 2024. (e) For the purposes of this subsection, "proximity" means 100 feet or less. (4) The board may work with local county health departments or districts and local law enforcement agencies to conduct random, unannounced, inspections to assure compliance.

RCW 70.155.120 Youth tobacco and vapor products prevention account — Source and use of funds.

(1) The youth tobacco and vapor products prevention account is created in the state treasury. All fees collected pursuant to RCW 70.155.100 (3)(b), 82.24.520 , 82.24.530 , 82.26.160 , and 82.26.170 and funds collected by the board from the imposition of monetary penalties shall be deposited into this account, except that 10 percent of all such fees and penalties shall be deposited in the state general fund. (2) Moneys appropriated from the youth tobacco and vapor products prevention account to the department of health shall be used by the department of health for implementation of this chapter, including collection and reporting of data regarding enforcement and the extent to which access to tobacco products and vapor products by youth has been reduced. (3) The department of health shall enter into interagency agreements with the board to pay the costs incurred, up to 30 percent of available funds, in carrying out its enforcement responsibilities under this chapter. Such agreements shall set forth standards of enforcement, consistent with the funding available, so as to reduce the extent to which tobacco products and vapor products are available to individuals under the age of 21. The agreements shall also set forth requirements for data reporting by the board regarding its enforcement activities. During the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, the department of health shall pay the costs incurred, up to 23 percent of available funds, in carrying out its enforcement responsibilities. (4) The department of health, the board, and the department of revenue shall enter into an interagency agreement for payment of the cost of administering the tobacco retailer licensing system and for the provision of quarterly documentation of tobacco wholesaler, retailer, and vending machine names and locations. (5) The department of health shall, within up to 70 percent of available funds, provide grants to local health departments or other local community agencies to develop and implement coordinated tobacco and vapor product intervention strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco and vapor product use by youth. During the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, the department of health shall, within up to 77 percent of available funds, provide grants to local health departments or other local community agencies to develop and implement coordinated tobacco and vapor product intervention strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco and vapor product use by youth. (1) The youth tobacco and vapor products prevention account is created in the state treasury. All fees collected pursuant to RCW 70.155.100 (3)(b), 82.24.520 , 82.24.530 , 82.26.160 , and 82.26.170 and funds collected by the board from the imposition of monetary penalties shall be deposited into this account, except that 10 percent of all such fees and penalties shall be deposited in the state general fund. (2) Moneys appropriated from the youth tobacco and vapor products prevention account to the department of health shall be used by the department of health for implementation of this chapter, including collection and reporting of data regarding enforcement and the extent to which access to tobacco products and vapor products by youth has been reduced. (3) The department of health shall enter into interagency agreements with the board to pay the costs incurred, up to 30 percent of available funds, in carrying out its enforcement responsibilities under this chapter. Such agreements shall set forth standards of enforcement, consistent with the funding available, so as to reduce the extent to which tobacco products and vapor products are available to individuals under the age of 21. The agreements shall also set forth requirements for data reporting by the board regarding its enforcement activities. During the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, the department of health shall pay the costs incurred, up to 23 percent of available funds, in carrying out its enforcement responsibilities. (4) The department of health, the board, and the department of revenue shall enter into an interagency agreement for payment of the cost of administering the tobacco retailer licensing system and for the provision of quarterly documentation of tobacco wholesaler, retailer, and vending machine names and locations. (5) The department of health shall, within up to 70 percent of available funds, provide grants to local health departments or other local community agencies to develop and implement coordinated tobacco and vapor product intervention strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco and vapor product use by youth. During the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium, the department of health shall, within up to 77 percent of available funds, provide grants to local health departments or other local community agencies to develop and implement coordinated tobacco and vapor product intervention strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco and vapor product use by youth.

RCW 70.155.130 Preemption of political subdivisions.

This chapter preempts political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing requirements for the licensure and regulation of tobacco product promotions and sales within retail stores, except that political subdivisions that have adopted ordinances prohibiting sampling by January 1, 1993, may continue to enforce these ordinances. No political subdivision may: (1) Impose fees or license requirements on retail businesses for possessing or selling cigarettes or tobacco products, other than general business taxes or license fees not primarily levied on tobacco products; or (2) regulate or prohibit activities covered by RCW 70.155.020 through 70.155.080 . This chapter does not otherwise preempt political subdivisions from adopting ordinances regulating the sale, purchase, use, or promotion of tobacco products not inconsistent with chapter 507, Laws of 1993. This chapter preempts political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing requirements for the licensure and regulation of tobacco product promotions and sales within retail stores, except that political subdivisions that have adopted ordinances prohibiting sampling by January 1, 1993, may continue to enforce these ordinances. No political subdivision may: (1) Impose fees or license requirements on retail businesses for possessing or selling cigarettes or tobacco products, other than general business taxes or license fees not primarily levied on tobacco products; or (2) regulate or prohibit activities covered by RCW 70.155.020 through 70.155.080 . This chapter does not otherwise preempt political subdivisions from adopting ordinances regulating the sale, purchase, use, or promotion of tobacco products not inconsistent with chapter 507, Laws of 1993.

RCW 70.155.140 Shipping or transporting tobacco products ordered or purchased by mail or through the internet prohibited — Penalty.

(1) A person may not: (a) Ship or transport, or cause to be shipped or transported, any tobacco product ordered or purchased by mail or through the internet to anyone in this state other than a licensed wholesaler or retailer; or (b) With knowledge or reason to know of the violation, provide substantial assistance to a person who is in violation of this section. (2)(a) A person who knowingly violates subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a class C felony, except that the maximum fine that may be imposed is five thousand dollars. (b) In addition to or in lieu of any other civil or criminal remedy provided by law, a person who has violated subsection (1) of this section is subject to a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars for each violation. The attorney general, acting in the name of the state, may seek recovery of the penalty in a civil action in superior court. For purposes of this subsection, each shipment or transport of tobacco products constitutes a separate violation. (3) The attorney general may seek an injunction in superior court to restrain a threatened or actual violation of subsection (1) of this section and to compel compliance with subsection (1) of this section. (4) Any violation of subsection (1) of this section is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair and deceptive act or practice and an unfair method of competition in the conduct of trade or commerce in violation of RCW 19.86.020 . Standing to bring an action to enforce RCW 19.86.020 for violation of subsection (1) of this section lies solely with the attorney general. Remedies provided by chapter 19.86 RCW are cumulative and not exclusive. (5)(a) In any action brought under this section, the state is entitled to recover, in addition to other relief, the costs of investigation, expert witness fees, costs of the action, and reasonable attorneys' fees. (b) If a court determines that a person has violated subsection (1) of this section, the court shall order any profits, gain, gross receipts, or other benefit from the violation to be disgorged and paid to the state treasurer for deposit in the general fund. (6) Unless otherwise expressly provided, the penalties or remedies, or both, under this section are in addition to any other penalties and remedies available under any other law of this state. (1) A person may not: (a) Ship or transport, or cause to be shipped or transported, any tobacco product ordered or purchased by mail or through the internet to anyone in this state other than a licensed wholesaler or retailer; or (b) With knowledge or reason to know of the violation, provide substantial assistance to a person who is in violation of this section. (2)(a) A person who knowingly violates subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a class C felony, except that the maximum fine that may be imposed is five thousand dollars. (b) In addition to or in lieu of any other civil or criminal remedy provided by law, a person who has violated subsection (1) of this section is subject to a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars for each violation. The attorney general, acting in the name of the state, may seek recovery of the penalty in a civil action in superior court. For purposes of this subsection, each shipment or transport of tobacco products constitutes a separate violation. (3) The attorney general may seek an injunction in superior court to restrain a threatened or actual violation of subsection (1) of this section and to compel compliance with subsection (1) of this section. (4) Any violation of subsection (1) of this section is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair and deceptive act or practice and an unfair method of competition in the conduct of trade or commerce in violation of RCW 19.86.020 . Standing to bring an action to enforce RCW 19.86.020 for violation of subsection (1) of this section lies solely with the attorney general. Remedies provided by chapter 19.86 RCW are cumulative and not exclusive. (5)(a) In any action brought under this section, the state is entitled to recover, in addition to other relief, the costs of investigation, expert witness fees, costs of the action, and reasonable attorneys' fees. (b) If a court determines that a person has violated subsection (1) of this section, the court shall order any profits, gain, gross receipts, or other benefit from the violation to be disgorged and paid to the state treasurer for deposit in the general fund. (6) Unless otherwise expressly provided, the penalties or remedies, or both, under this section are in addition to any other penalties and remedies available under any other law of this state.

RCW 70.155.150 Licensee compliance with certain other laws.

(1) A person who holds a license issued under chapter 82.24 or 82.26 RCW or RCW 70.345.020 must conduct the business and maintain the premises in compliance with Titles 9 and 9A RCW and chapter 69.50 RCW. (2) The board may revoke or suspend a license issued under chapter 82.24 or 82.26 RCW or RCW 70.345.020 upon sufficient cause showing a violation of this section. (1) A person who holds a license issued under chapter 82.24 or 82.26 RCW or RCW 70.345.020 must conduct the business and maintain the premises in compliance with Titles 9 and 9A RCW and chapter 69.50 RCW. (2) The board may revoke or suspend a license issued under chapter 82.24 or 82.26 RCW or RCW 70.345.020 upon sufficient cause showing a violation of this section.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.155&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026

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