Protect Youth From Harms of Vaping and Nicotine.

SB 318 (Protect Youth From Harms of Vaping and Nicotine) raises North Carolina's legal sales age for all tobacco and nicotine products - including vaping devices and e-liquids - from 18 to 21. It directly affects youth (under 21) seeking to purchase these products and retailers selling them. Key provisions require all tobacco retailers to obtain a new "tobacco retail sales permit" and mandate proof of age (like a driver's license) for every sale to customers under 21. The bill also establishes enforcement mechanisms, including fines for violations and inspections of retail premises to ensure compliance. This policy change aims to limit youth access to nicotine products through age restrictions and retail licensing.