The Coastal Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Program is working with community partners throughout the district’s eight counties to remind retailers about Georgia’s Tobacco 21 law. Passed in July 2020, the Tobacco 21 law makes it illegal to sell or barter – directly or indirectly – any cigarettes, tobacco products, tobacco related objects, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products to anyone under the age of 21. The law also makes it unlawful for any person to purchase those products for an individual under 21 and for any individual to use a vape product within a school safety zone.
An alarming increase in the use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and flavored delivery systems among youth and young adults in our communities prompted the renewed effort to draw attention to the law (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-171).
“The law went into effect in the summer of 2020 and like so many other things, it may have been overshadowed by the pandemic,” said Coastal Health District Chronic Disease Prevention Director, Cristina Gibson. “We want to make sure licensed tobacco retailers understand that when it comes to keeping youth and young adults tobacco free, they play a pivotal role.”
Non-compliance with the law will result in a misdemeanor.
There is help for those who want to quit using tobacco. Georgia residents 13 years and older who want to quit smoking, vaping, or using tobacco, can call the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line.
- 1-877-270-7867 (English)
- 1-877-266-3863 (Spanish)
- 1-877-777-6534 (Hearing Impaired)
The Quit Line is a free evidence-based public health service that provides counseling and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nicotine replacement therapies in the form of gum or patch are also available through the Quit Line. Anyone who wants to quit the use of vape products can enroll in This is Quitting by texting VAPEFREEGA to 88709. This is Quitting is also a free service.
For additional information on the Tobacco 21 law, please visit our website at https://coastalhealthdistrict.org/tobacco21law.
