Vape Vending Laws and Regulations in Tennessee

This summary is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the North Carolina General Statutes, the North Carolina Administrative Code, or speak with a qualified attorney.

Vape Vending Laws in Tennessee:

Tennessee aligns with the federal Tobacco 21 mandate like all states. It permits vending machines only in adult-only or supervised settings, similar to many states, but lacks a retail license requirement common elsewhere.  

2024 Tennessee Code, Section 39‑17‑1507 – Vending Machine Sales

(a) It is unlawful for any person to sell tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine products through a vending machine unless the machine is located in one of the following controlled areas:

  • Areas of factories, businesses, offices, or other places not open to the public

  • Public venues that prohibit entry to individuals under twenty‑one (21) years of age

  • On‑premises alcohol establishments, provided the vending machine is under continuous supervision and inaccessible to the public when the establishment is closed

  • Other locations where the machine is either continuously supervised, or operates only by token purchased on‑site, and is inaccessible when the establishment is closed

(a) Every person who sells tobacco, smoking hemp, or vapor products at retail 
shall post conspicuously and keep so posted at the place of business a sign, no smaller 
than ninety-three and one-half (93 ½) square inches, to ensure that it is likely to be read at each point of sale, stating the following: 

STATE LAW STRICTLY PROHIBITS THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, VAPOR PRODUCTS, OR SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE (21) YEARS. PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUIRED Example of a sign required for vape vending in TN

(b) Unless another notice is required by federal law, the notice required by this 
section and the notice required by § 39-15-411 shall be the only notice regarding 
tobacco, smoking hemp, or vapor products required to be posted or maintained in any 
store that sells tobacco, smoking hemp, or vapor products at retail. 

How to Legally Operate Vape Vending Machines in Tennessee

  1. Form and Register Your Business

    • File the necessary formation documents (e.g., Articles of Organization for an LLC) with the Tennessee Secretary of State.

  2. Register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue

    • Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit and, if applicable, a Business Tax License based on your annual gross receipts.

    • Set up your Sales & Use Tax account online via the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) to collect and remit state sales tax.