Considering becoming a vape vending machine host in Missouri? Familiarize yourself with the current state laws to ensure compliance and successful operations. Here's a quick breakdown of current state regulations for vapor products, vape machines, and sales.Whether you're a retailer, entrepreneur, or operator, understanding these regulations is essential not only for compliance but also for safeguarding your investment. Below is a detailed guide that breaks down the current rules, requirements, and best practices for operating a vape vending machine in Missouri.

1. Placement Restrictions

Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 407.931, vape and tobacco vending machines are subject to the following restrictions:

"No person or entity shall sell or distribute tobacco products or vapor products by means of a vending machine unless such machine is:

(1) Located in a factory, private club, or any other facility where the public is not generally permitted or where persons under the age of twenty-one are not permitted; or
(2) Equipped with a lock-out device that is under the control of the owner or an adult employee, and is located in the line of sight of a responsible employee."

Summary of conditions required for legality:

• Must be in a 21+ establishment (e.g., bar, private club); OR
• Must be visible to and actively supervised by a responsible adult AND have a lock-out mechanism to prevent unsupervised access.

Noncompliance renders the machine unlawful.

Statute: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 407.931

2. Licensing & Permitting Requirements

Missouri does not currently have a state-level tobacco or vapor vending machine operator license requirement. However:

• Retailers selling vapor products must be registered to collect and remit Missouri sales tax (see below).
• Cities may have additional permitting requirements (see section 5).

3. Taxes & Fees

According to Missouri Department of Revenue

Sales Tax:

• All vape and nicotine pouch products are subject to standard state and local sales tax.
• A Missouri Sales Tax License is required to collect this.

Excise Tax:

• As of June 2025, Missouri does not impose a state excise tax on vapor or nicotine pouch products.

4. Regulatory Agencies

Key authorities involved in enforcement or licensing:

• Missouri Department of Revenue: Handles business registration and sales tax licensing.
  • https://dor.mo.gov/business/register/
• Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC): While it does not license vape vendors, it oversees some retail tobacco matters.

5. Municipal Ordinances (St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia)

St. Louis

• No city-specific vending machine ordinances discovered beyond general adherence to state law.
• Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited (local enforcement may check compliance).

Kansas City

• Kansas City Municipal Code aligns with state law and adds enforcement provisions. Vape product sales must comply with Mo. Rev. Stat. § 407.931. No vending machines allowed in youth-accessible areas unless supervised and locked.

Columbia

• Columbia bans sale of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 (Ordinance 22800). No vending-specific ordinance found, but vending machines must follow state age and supervision standards.

6. Additional Compliance Considerations

• Signage Requirements: While Missouri does not mandate machine signage, federal FDA rules require a notice that sale to under-21 is prohibited.
• Federal Law Compliance: You must comply with 21 C.F.R. §1140.16(c): vending machines may only be placed in adult-only facilities unless under direct supervision and control.
• Liability: The retailer is strictly liable if a minor accesses the machine, even if it technically complies with placement laws.

Disclaimer: This page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult official Missouri government resources for the most current regulations.