NC S318

Raises the legal age to purchase tobacco products, vapor products, and alternative nicotine products from 18 to 21 years old in North Carolina

Creates a new mandatory tobacco retail sales permit system administered by the ABC Commission, with $400 annual application fees for retail, delivery, and remote sellers

Establishes administrative penalties for permit violations: fines up to $500 for first offense, $750 for second offense within three years, and $1,000 for third offense, plus possible permit suspension up to three years or revocation

Requires delivery and remote sellers to verify purchaser age through independent third-party verification services and obtain signature from someone 21 or older upon delivery

Prohibits tobacco product sales through vending machines, self-service displays (unless in 21+ establishments), and distribution of free samples; violations constitute Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanors depending on the offense