(A205, R222, H4817)

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 16-17-500, RELATING TO THE SALE OR PURCHASE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO MINORS WITHOUT PROOF OF AGE AND THE LOCATION OF VENDING MACHINES, SO AS TO INCLUDE ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS AND TO REQUIRE INDIVIDUALS SEEKING TO PURCHASE TOBACCO PRODUCTS OR ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS TO PRESENT PROOF OF AGE UPON DEMAND, AND TO ALLOW THE PURCHASE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE PRODUCTS FROM VENDING MACHINES IN CERTAIN ESTABLISHMENTS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Alternative nicotine products, proof of age, vending machines

SECTION 1.    Section 16-17-500(B) and (D) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

(B) It is unlawful to sell a tobacco product or an alternative nicotine product to an individual who does not present, upon demand, proper proof of age. Failure to demand identification to verify an individual's age is not a defense to an action initiated pursuant to this subsection. Proof that is demanded, is shown, and reasonably is relied upon for the individual's proof of age is a defense to an action initiated pursuant to this subsection.

(D) It is unlawful to sell a tobacco product or an alternative nicotine product through a vending machine unless the vending machine is located in an establishment:

(1) which is open only to individuals who are eighteen years of age or older; or

(2) where the vending machine is under continuous control by the owner or licensee of the premises or an employee of the owner or licensee, can be operated only by activation by the owner, licensee, or employee before each purchase, and is not accessible to the public when the establishment is closed.

Time effective

SECTION 2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Ratified the 15th day of May, 2024.

Approved the 21st day of May, 2024.

This web page was last updated on June 25, 2024 at 1:53 PM