programs

Tobacco Enforcement Program

What We Do

The Comptroller’s Tobacco Enforcement Program helps protect children from the ill effects of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. This vital public health mission requires constant vigilance and continuous effort on the part of parents, business owners, government officials and all concerned Texans.

Our office provides resources to and collaborates with four stakeholder groups whose efforts are essential in preventing youth nicotine addiction.

The Comptroller pursues these types of tobacco cases:

  • sales to minors
  • retailers failing to post warning signs and appropriate permits
  • sales of unpackaged cigarettes or in quantities less than twenty
  • minors in possession
  • suspected criminal activity

What We Investigate (and statutes)

Selling cigarettes, e-cigarettes or tobacco products retail to underage youth Health and Safety Code, Section 161.083, (a-1)
Not posting e-cigarette and tobacco warning signs in stores that sell cigarettes, e-cigarettes and tobacco products Health and Safety Code, Section 161.084 (a)
Advertising tobacco products outdoors within 1,000 feet of a church or school Health and Safety Code, Section 161.122(a)
Selling tobacco products without a posted tobacco retailers permit Tax Code, Section 154.117 and Tax Code, Section 155.053
Selling e-cigarettes without a posted sales tax permit Tax Code, Section 151.201
Selling unpackaged cigarettes Tax Code, Section 154.504
Selling fewer than 20 cigarettes per package Tax Code, Section 154.504
Minors possessing cigarettes, e-cigarettes or tobacco products Health and Safety Code, Section 161.252 (a-1)
Smuggling tobacco, counterfeiting tobacco permits or defrauding the state of tobacco taxes Tax Code, Section 154.505 and Tax Code, Section 154.520

Contact Us

Mailing Address
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
P.O. Box 13528
Austin, TX 78711
Phone Numbers
Toll free: 888-284-2151
Austin: 512-463-3731
Fax: 512-936-0019
Physical Address
LBJ State Office Building
111 E. 17th St.
Austin, TX 78711-1440
Email
tobacco.enforcement@cpa.texas.gov
Contact Name/Email Section Area of Knowledge Phone
Enforcement Headquarters Staff Enforcement Division
  • Inspections
  • Permitting Issues
 512-463-4628
Field Office Staff Local Field Offices
  • Retailer non-compliance issues
  • Permitting Issues
 State Comptroller Field Offices
Tobacco Staff Tobacco Section Account Maintenance
  • Reporting violations
  • Tobacco Enforcement Training
  • Tobacco Retailer Permit Lists
  • Seller Training
  • Program Technical Assistance
  • Annual SYNAR Inspection Report
 888-284-2151
Fax: 512-463-3268
Vickus DeKock, Tax Attorney Tax Policy Division
  • Policy questions
  • Agency Rules
  • Legislation
 512-936-8555
Fax: 512-475-0900
Tobacco Enforcement Staff Publications
  • State Required Warning Sign #96-536
 800-862-2260
512-463-3731

Report Tobacco Law Violations

E-Cigarette and Tobacco Hotline (anonymous):
Toll free: 800-345-8647
Direct: 512-463-3731

Email: Comptroller’s Tobacco Enforcement Program