RCW = Revised Code of Washington WAC = Washington Administrative Code

Restricts coupons: 70.155.070
Coupons for tobacco products may only be redeemed in an in-person transaction.

Tobacco Sampling: 70.155.050
*Please check with your local city or county since there are some locations that completely prohibit tobacco sampling. A tobacco sampling license is required to distribute samples of tobacco. Sampling may only occur within a location that holds a current cigarette license.

Vending Machines: 70.155.030
Vending machines may only be located in premises where minors under 18 are prohibited and machines must be at least 10 feet from all entrance or exit ways.

Penalties for Selling to Minors: 70.155.100
Local health departments, law enforcement, the Liquor Control Board all may conduct compliance checks throughout the year. If caught selling to a minor, the store owner/licensee and clerk are fined.

Summary: RCW 70.160
Prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces and requires that smoking occur a sufficient distance from entrances, exits, windows, and air intakes to insure that smoke does not enter a protected space.

• Report a violation: Smoking in public places and workplace law
• Frequently Asked Questions

Summary: RCW 26.28.080
It is illegal for anyone (including parents) to sell or give tobacco to minors under the age of 18. This also includes: cigars, cigarettes, cigarette paper or wrapper or tobacco in any form.

Summary: WAC 314-10

It is illegal for anyone (including parents) to sell or give tobacco to minors under the age of 18. This also includes: cigars, cigarettes, cigarette paper or wrapper or tobacco in any form.

How old employees have to be to sell and handle tobacco products:
WAC 314-10-040

Any employee can sell and handle tobacco products if there is a supervising employee who is eighteen years of age or older on the retail premises.

Sales to persons under 18 years of age: WAC 314-10-050

Any person attempting to purchase tobacco products must show identification upon the request of any licensed retailer. Acceptable forms of identification must be officially issued and contain the bearer’s age, signature and photograph.

The only forms that are acceptable as proof of age for the purchase of tobacco products are:

• A driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card issued by any state within the United States or any province of Canada,
• A United States military identification card,
• A passport,
• A liquor control authority card of identification issued by any state of the United States or any province of Canada, or
• A merchant marine identification card issued by the United States Coast Guard.

Parents and guardians may not provide tobacco: WAC 314-10-080

Parents and legal guardians may not authorize any minor under 18 years of age to purchase or obtain tobacco.

March 1999. Agreement between state’s Attorney General and other representatives finding the fivelargest tobacco companies liable for covering up health problems caused by smoking cigarettes. Tobacco Companies were required to provide money to state governments to help pay for smoking-related medical costs. Tobacco companies are also required to educate consumers about the dangers of smoking.

• 4/17/00 Press Release: State Will Receive $73.2 Million in Tobacco Settlement Restitution (Washington State Attorney General)
• Tobacco homepage (Washington State Attorney General)