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

NOTE: Information provided before 11-23-2025 was published in error.  Below is updated language for Washington D.C. or The District Of Columbia

Resources:

https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/47-2404#(b)(3)

https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/25-113

Vending machine sales of electronic smoking devices restricted to establishments inaccessible to persons under age 21 and taverns, nightclubs, and restaurants licensed to serve alcohol.
D.C. Code §§ 7-1721.04(b)(1), 47-2404(b)(3) (2025)

Vending machine operator’s licenses:

(A) No license shall be issued for the sale of cigarettes or other tobacco product in an original package from or by means of a vending machine, except in the case of a tavern or nightclub licensed pursuant to § 25-113, an establishment that restricts admittance to persons 21 years of age or older, or a restaurant licensed pursuant to § 25-113.

(B) Any cigarette or other tobacco product vending machine that is located in a tavern, nightclub, establishment, or restaurant in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be located in an area that is in the immediate vicinity, plain view, and control of a responsible employee, so that any tobacco purchase is readily observable by an employee. The cigarette or other tobacco product vending machine shall not be located in a similar unmonitored area.

(C) The annual fee for a vending machine operator’s license shall be $15 for each vending machine.

(D) Any cigarette or other tobacco product vending machine that is located in a tavern, nightclub, establishment, or restaurant in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall display the warning sign required by § 22-1320(e)(1).

(E) Any cigarette or other tobacco product vending machine that is located in a tavern, nightclub, establishment, or restaurant in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall not contain any non-tobacco product, other than matches.

(c) The Mayor shall keep a complete record of applications made for licenses under this section and of the actions taken thereon.

(d) The Mayor may, by regulation, adjust the license fees imposed by subsection (b) of this section and may establish fees for duplicate licenses.

(e) Licenses issued under this section shall remain in effect for such periods of time as may be prescribed by the Mayor by regulation, not exceeding 1 year from the effective date of such licenses, or until such licenses are suspended or revoked by the Mayor under subsection (f) of this section.

(f) The Mayor may, after a hearing, suspend or revoke any license issued under this section for any violation of this chapter or of the regulations promulgated under this chapter.

(g) The licenses required by this section shall be in addition to the licenses required by any other law or regulation.

(h) The Mayor may suspend any license issued under this section to any person convicted of a first or second violation of § 22-1320. The Mayor shall revoke the license for a third or subsequent violation.

(h-1) The Mayor may, after a hearing, suspend any license issued under this section for a first or second violation of [§ 7-1721.08(a)]. The Mayor shall, after a hearing, revoke any license issued under this section for a third or subsequent violation of [§ 7-1721.08(a)].

(i) Any license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be issued as a General Sales endorsement to a basic business license under the basic business license system as set forth in subchapter I-A of Chapter 28 of this title.