Senate Bill 25 - Summary

• Raises the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco products and tobacco substitutes from 18 to 21 years old in Delaware.

• Increases penalties for selling tobacco products to minors under 18 (criminal violation) and to individuals 18-20 years old (civil penalty of $250-$1,000 depending on offense count).

• Repeals the exception allowing parents or guardians to purchase tobacco products for minors and prohibits individuals under 21 from entering vapor establishments.

• Requires sellers to check identification for anyone appearing under 30 years of age and modifies the affirmative defense for employers by allowing it to be used only once per location per 36-month period (reduced from twice per 12 months).

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment and allows existing employees under 21 at vapor establishments to continue working if the employer registers them with the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement within 30 days.