CT HB05228

New cigarette and vape/e-cigarette dealer licenses issued on or after October 1, 2026 will be denied or non-renewed if more than 25% of retail floor space is dedicated to tobacco/vape products, or if tobacco/vape sales exceed 50% of total annual gross sales.

New electronic nicotine delivery system dealer registrations will be capped at one per 2,500 town residents based on the most recent decennial census.

Dealers deriving at least 50% of annual gross revenue from cigarettes, vaping products, tobacco, and drug paraphernalia must verify IDs at entry doors and prohibit anyone under 21 from entering the location.

Annual dealer license fee for cigarette dealers remains $200; annual registration fee for e-cigarette/vape dealers is $800, plus a $1,000 non-refundable initial application fee.

Effective date is October 1, 2026, with restrictions applying only to new licenses/registrations filed on or after that date (existing licensees grandfathered).