Vape Vending Machines Sales Laws and Regulations in Connecticut

Thinking of Launching a Vape Vending Machine in Connecticut?

Can own and operate vape vending machines if they are placed at locations that have on-premise liquor and are are 21+ establishments. 

Owner or operator needs to hold a Reg-2-Cig License through CT Department of Revenue Services for each location and a Cigarette Dealer’s License if someone has less than 25 vape vending machines.  In the event an operator has over 25 machines in the CT, they need to hold a Distributor’s License.

VapeTMWhether 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 Connecticut.

2024 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 12 - Taxation
Chapter 214 - Cigarette Taxes
Section 12-289a. - Vending machines: Placement restrictions. Penalties.

Universal Citation: CT Gen Stat § 12-289a. (2024

(a) No cigarette vending machine or restricted cigarette vending machine may be placed in an area, facility or business which may be accessed by persons under the age of twenty-one unless it is placed in an area, facility or business permitted under chapter 545 that has a separate area accessible only to persons twenty-one years of age or older and the machine is placed in such separate area. No cigarettes may be dispensed from any machine other than a cigarette vending machine or a restricted cigarette vending machine.

 (b) The Commissioner of Revenue Services shall assess any person, dealer or distributor who violates the provisions of this section a civil penalty of two hundred fifty dollars for a first violation and five hundred dollars for a second violation within eighteen months. For a third violation within eighteen months, such penalty shall be five hundred dollars and any such machine shall be immediately removed from such area, facility or business and no such machine may be placed in such area, facility or business for a period of one year following such removal.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting a town or municipality from imposing more restrictive conditions on the use of vending machines for the sale of cigarettes. A municipality shall be responsible for the enforcement of such conditions. (P.A. 92-66, S. 2; P.A. 96-240, S. 3, 10; P.A. 19-13, S. 4.)

History: P.A. 96-240 amended Subsec. (a) to add reference to restricted cigarette vending machines and to bar dispensing of cigarettes from any machine other than those defined in this chapter, deleted former Subsec. (b) re placement of cigarette vending machines, relettered former Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (h) and inserted new Subsecs. (b) to (g), inclusive, re placement of machines and penalties for violations, effective June 6, 1996; P.A. 19-13 amended Subsec. (a) to add provision prohibiting placement of vending machines in areas, facilities or businesses accessed by persons under the age of 21 without a separate area accessible only to such persons, deleted former Subsecs. (b) to (f) and redesignated existing Subsecs. (g) and (h) as new Subsecs. (b) and (c).

Town ordinance prohibiting all cigarette vending machines within town borders is valid and is not preempted by statute since it addresses matter of concurrent state and local concern, does not conflict with statute and is rationally related to protection of community's public health, safety and general welfare. 256 C. 105.

1. Placement Restrictions for Vending Machines

Per Connecticut law:

“No person shall sell… an electronic nicotine delivery system or vapor product by means of a self-service display or a vending machine in any establishment where persons under twenty-one years of age are permitted.”
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-344b(c)

The only legal placements are:

  • Establishments where entry is restricted to individuals 21 years of age or older, such as:
    • Licensed cigar bars under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-342a
    • Age-restricted tobacco specialty stores
  • The machine must be under direct supervision of the owner or employee and inaccessible when the business is closed

2. Licensing & Permitting Requirements

Retailer License for ENDS and Vapor Products

“Each person engaged in the business of selling electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor products at retail shall obtain a dealer’s license from the Department of Revenue Services.”
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-415(a)

  • A separate license is required for each location.
  • Licenses must be renewed annually.
  • Applications are made to the Department of Revenue Services (DRS).
  • DRS may suspend or revoke licenses for violations of age-sale, tax, or signage requirements.

3. Excise Taxes & Sales Tax

Closed-System Products (Pods, Cartridges)

“An excise tax is imposed on closed system electronic nicotine delivery systems at the rate of $0.40 per milliliter of e-liquid.”
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-330s(a)(1)

Open-System Products (Refillables, Bottles)

“An excise tax is imposed on all other electronic nicotine delivery systems at 10% of the wholesale price.”
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-330s(a)(2)

Additionally:

  • Standard sales tax (6.35%) applies to retail sales.
  • Taxes must be remitted to DRS monthly by the licensed retailer or distributor.

4. Required Signage at Point of Sale

“Any person who sells vapor products shall post a sign stating:
‘The sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor products to persons under 21 is prohibited by law.’
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-344b(d)

The sign must be:

  • Conspicuously posted at the point of sale or vending machine
  • Clearly visible and legible

5. Local / Municipal Ordinances

Several municipalities in Connecticut have enacted additional rules. For example:

  • Hartford and Bridgeport have adopted flavored vape bans.
  • New Haven and others may require zoning approvals for vending machine placement.

These vary by city; operators must verify with:

  • Local health departments
  • Zoning boards of appeals or planning commissions

6. Enforcement & Penalties

Violations of Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-344b and § 21a-415 may result in:

  • Fines of up to $300 per incident for underage sales
  • License suspension or revocation
  • Seizure of product if untaxed or improperly sold

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

 

Contact VapeTM Today

Questions? Call us at +1 888-537-8273