CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

With the clock ticking down to the new year, Kentucky retailers who sell tobacco, nicotine or vapor products have mere days remaining to secure a required state license or risk penalties once the calendar turns to Jan. 1.

Retailers must obtain the license through the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Gov. Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 100 into law March 24 and the application portal opened in mid-November.

The legislation requires all tobacco, nicotine, and vapor retailers to obtain an annual state license from the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and strengthens enforcement of existing laws.

Under the bill, routine and unannounced compliance checks are required to ensure retailers do not sell to minors or distribute illegal products. The law also increases fines and penalties for violations and establishes a new enforcement team to investigate consumer complaints.

A portion of collected fines will go toward youth vaping prevention efforts.

License applications are available exclusively through the ABC Online Licensing Portal at abcportal.ky.gov/BELLEExternal.

For more information or assistance with an application, contact the ABC at abc.info@ky.gov.