The law shifted the focus from penalizing youth to penalizing retailers; it removed previous fines (ranging from $50 to $100) or mandatory diversion programs for individuals under 21 who are found in possession of tobacco.
Businesses that sell to individuals under 21 face fines that increase with repeat offenses: 1st offense: $200 2nd offense: $400 3rd offense: $600 4th offense or more: $800 within a 24-month period. legal age to buy cigarettes in illinois
The legal age to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products in Illinois is . This law, known as "Tobacco 21," went into effect on July 1, 2019 , making Illinois the first state in the Midwest to adopt such a policy. Key Facts About the Illinois Tobacco 21 Law The law shifted the focus from penalizing youth
People under 21 are still permitted to purchase FDA-approved tobacco cessation products, such as nicotine patches or gum, to help them quit. The Age to Buy Tobacco is now 21 - Illinois.gov This law, known as "Tobacco 21," went into
Retailers must verify the age of any purchaser who appears to be under 30 years old by checking a government-issued photo ID.
The law applies to all tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes, and alternative nicotine products.