Tobacco: Report Sales Violations, Information, and Signs

Report Violations

To report violations of RI law prohibiting the sale or distribution of tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDs) products (also known as “e-cigarettes”) to individuals under the age of 21; sales of single or loose cigarettes; sales of ENDs products not in original packaging; and/or sales of liquid nicotine products that do not have child-resistant packaging, please call (401) 462-3441. Complaints may be made anonymously.

Tobacco Information

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. It causes many different cancers as well as chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis, heart disease, pregnancy-related problems, and many other serious health problems. Information about tobacco may be found at

health.ri.gov/data/tobacco/smoking/

health.ri.gov/data/adolescenthealth/tobacco/

truthinitiative.org/

Tobacco Signs

Tobacco Product Signs (RI General laws §11-9-13)

During the 2021 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly, amendments were made to Rhode Island General Laws §11-9-13 which raised the minimum legal age (MLA) to 21 for both the sale of tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products.

Consistent with federal legislation which went into effect on December 20, 2019, it is now illegal at both the federal and state level for a retailer to sell tobacco products – including cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, hookah and ENDS products – to anyone under the age of 21. All tobacco and ENDS product retailers are required to display the following signs (see below) for public view at each cash register, vending machine, or other place from which tobacco products, including ENDS products, are sold. These signs, or exact duplicates, must be displayed in both English and Spanish.

Should you have any questions related to:

  • Sign Posting Requirements- please call (401) 462-5686
  • Smoking Cessation- please call 1-(800) 784-8669
  • ENDS Product Licensing- please email elicense@health.ri.gov



NEW! Tobacco Sales Sign for Under 21 English

NEW! Tobacco Sales Sign for Under 21 Spanish

Tobacco Warning sign for Pregnant Women English

Tobacco Warning sign for Pregnant Women Spanish