Louisiana Vending Machine Laws for Alternative Nicotine Products (2024)

As of 2024, the state of Louisiana enforces strict legal requirements for the sale of alternative nicotine products through vending machines. These laws are specifically designed to prevent underage access to tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products and are enforced through limitations on vending machine placement, supervision requirements, and mandatory signage.

The key statutes are:

• La. R.S. § 26:910 – Restrictions on vending machines.
• La. R.S. § 14:91.8 – Signage and penalties related to youth access.

Legal Requirements for Vending Machines

1. Age-Restricted Placement (La. R.S. § 26:910)

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor, or alternative nicotine products through vending machines unless one of the following conditions is met:

Exact Statutory Language – La. R.S. § 26:910 (2024)

“In order to prevent persons under twenty-one years of age from purchasing or receiving tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products from vending machines, the sale or delivery of such products through a vending machine is prohibited unless either of the following apply:

(1) The machine is located in an establishment to which persons under the age of twenty-one are denied access.

(2) The machine is located in facilities where the dealer ensures that no person younger than twenty-one years of age is present or permitted to enter at any time and the machine is located within the unobstructed line of sight of a dealer or a dealer's agent or employee who is responsible for preventing persons younger than twenty-one years of age from purchasing tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products through that machine.”

2. Required Signage (La. R.S. § 14:91.8(D))

Every vending machine used to dispense alternative nicotine products must display a clearly visible sign or sticker on its front. The sign must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum font size: 22-point type
• Text must read:

“LOUISIANA LAW PROHIBITS THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS, OR VAPOR PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER AGE 21.”

• Must include public health information:
  • Louisiana Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
  • Website: www.quitwithusla.org

Enforcement and Penalties

Responsible Party

The owner of the vending machine is legally responsible for compliance with signage, placement, and supervision rules.

Penalties for Violations (La. R.S. § 14:91.8(I))

• 1st Violation: Up to $50
• 2nd Violation: Up to $100
• 3rd Violation: Up to $250
• Subsequent Violations: Up to $500 per occurrence

These penalties are in addition to any disciplinary actions that may be taken by the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC).

Additional Notes

• As of March 18, 2024, the Louisiana ATC resumed enforcement of all vapor and alternative nicotine regulations following a suspension related to litigation.
• All products sold through vending machines must be approved and registered under Louisiana law.
• Non-compliance may lead to license suspension or revocation, especially for repeat violations.

References

• Louisiana Revised Statutes § 26:910
• Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:91.8
• Louisiana Department of Revenue – ATC Enforcement News