programsTobacco Enforcement

Law Enforcement

We’re Here to Serve

The Comptroller’s office offers training to peace officers and vendors as well as other resources to minors and the community at large to encourage and reinforce tobacco law compliance. We also provide warning signs and stickers to remind the public that the State of Texas does not tolerate underage possession, purchase or sales of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.

The Texas Model

The ultimate goal of the enforcement program is reducing minors’ access to tobacco. Enforcement of our state’s cigarette, e-cigarette and tobacco control laws sends a message to the public that community leaders put a high priority on these policies.

Texas takes a multi-pronged approach to enforcing tobacco laws:

• Providing compliance education to retailers and school-aged youth
• Prosecuting retail sales to minors of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products
• Citing minors in possession of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products

Numerous studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown that the combination of retailer education and active, graduated enforcement of cigarette, e-cigarette and tobacco access laws is most effective in reducing illegal sales to minors.

Compliance and Deterrence

The Comptroller’s office and our partnering agencies perform inspections for signage and employee compliance concerning the sale, possession and use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and tobacco products.

Tools and Required Training

Monthly Reporting Forms

The following forms are submitted to the Comptroller’s Tobacco Enforcement Program by the 10th day of the month immediately following the month in which the activities occurred:

• Form 69-137, Minor In Possession of Tobacco, or MIP (PDF)
• Form 69-138, Inspection/Sting Report (PDF)

Reports As Needed

Form 69-120, Texas Cigarette/Tobacco Final Proceeding Report (PDF)
The final proceeding report is generated once the violation has been adjudicated.

Certificates of Recognition

To reward compliant retailers, order these documents by contacting Tobacco Enforcement.

Permitted Retailers List Request

Tobacco permit lists are provided by county in spreadsheet format. To order a list of permitted tobacco retail outlets by jurisdiction, email us with the requestor’s name, department, phone number, email address and the name of the county(ies) needed. Requests also may be faxed on departmental letterhead to 512-936-0019.

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Report Tobacco Law Violations