The Delaware Youth Access law prohibits the sale of tobacco products (i.e. cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah, chewing tobacco, snuff, and smokeless tobacco; including smoking accessories such as pipes, rolling papers, filters), along with tobacco substitutes (E-cigarettes, JUULs, vape liquids, vape pens, tanks, and disposable devices)  to anyone under the age of 21. A copy of the law is available on the website of the Delaware General Assembly.

The Youth Access Law is enforced by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement. Since 2000, tobacco enforcement agents have been distributing educational packets to all tobacco retailers in Delaware, with the theme “Kids Can’t Buy ’Em Here.” If you would like to request a packet, please contact the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement.

Key Elements of the Delaware Law

Delaware law states the following:

• It is illegal to sell tobacco products or tobacco substitutes to anyone under the age of 21.
• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase tobacco products or tobacco substitutes.
• All persons selling tobacco products or tobacco substitutes are required, under law, to check the proof of age of any purchaser under the age of 30.
• Violators are subject to fines and penalties, and/or arrest.

More resources on the Delware Youth Access law including training for retailers are available on the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement webpage.