1) Store Eligibility & Policy Basics

Confirm your store can legally sell nicotine products:

• Verify your state/local rules for nicotine product sales, licensing, and signage.
• Confirm your business category allows age-restricted products (e.g., smoke/vape shop, convenience, specialty).
• Train managers on your store’s nicotine policy and escalation procedure (refusals, disputes).

Establish a written “Adult-Only Nicotine” policy:

• Policy states 21+ only (or your local legal minimum if different).
• Policy includes ID verification expectations for every sale.
• Policy states “No sales to minors” + “No proxy sales” (straw purchases).

2) ID Verification Standards

ID check requirements:

• Card all customers who appear under 30 (recommended) or your store standard.
• Accept only government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID).
• Confirm: photo match, date of birth, expiration date, tamper signs.

Best practices for staff:

• Keep a simple script at register:
  “This is a nicotine product—ID required, please.”
• Train staff to refuse politely and consistently.
• Log incidents (fake ID, refusal, aggressive behavior) in a staff notebook.

Optional but strong: Electronic ID scanning:

• Use a scanner where permitted (reduces risk of mistakes).
• Maintain scanner SOP + privacy handling.

3) Placement & Merchandising Rules

Keep the product out of reach and out of youth-oriented areas:

• Place behind the counter or in a locked display case.
• Do not place it next to candy, gum, snacks, energy drinks, sodas, or toys.
• Avoid checkout lanes used by families/kids if your store has multiple checkout points.

Counter display guidelines:

• The display sits within staff line-of-sight at all times.
• Display includes “21+ Only” messaging and nicotine warning (where required).
• Do not allow self-serve access.

Prevent theft + diversion:

• Keep backstock secured.
• Use inventory counts and receiving logs.
• Remove damaged packaging from the sales floor immediately.

4) Packaging, Warnings, and Product Integrity

Only sell factory-sealed, compliant products:

• Do not sell open packs, torn seals, or loose picks.
• Do not repackage or relabel.

Confirm warnings remain visible:

• Ensure nicotine warnings are not covered by price stickers or shelf talkers.
• If a label is damaged/unreadable, pull the unit from sale.

Storage conditions:

• Store in a cool, dry area away from heat sources.
• Keep away from food prep areas.
• Rotate stock (FIFO—first in, first out).

5) Advertising & Claims

Approved positioning:

• “Adult nicotine product”
• “Discreet format”
• “Smoke-free alternative format” (avoid implying reduced harm unless legally supported)
• “Flavor-forward nicotine toothpicks”

Avoid prohibited or risky claims:

Do not claim or imply:

• “Helps you quit smoking” or “cessation aid”
• “Healthy” / “health benefits” / “doctor recommended”
• “Safer than cigarettes” / “risk-free” / “harmless”
• “Non-addictive”
• Any medical outcomes (anxiety reduction, ADHD support, treatment claims)

Price promotions and sampling controls:

• No free product distribution without legal review and age controls.
• If offering promotions, ensure they are adult-only and require ID.