A new regulation soon goes into effect in Kentucky that requires businesses that sell tobacco, nicotine and vape products to register with the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
“Effective January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 100 will require all businesses in the commonwealth of Kentucky selling tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products to be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). No retailers are excepted from this new requirement,” the agency said in a press release.
Businesses wishing to engage in the sale of these products as of January 1, 2026, “are urged to submit their application as soon as possible, as ABC cannot guarantee that licenses will be issued by that date for any applications that are not timely submitted,” the ABC stated.
Licenses will generally be valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Operating without a valid license after January 1, 2026 will be a direct violation of state law.
To apply for a license, you must:
• Complete and submit the Tobacco, Nicotine, or Vapor Product License Application
• Include all required supporting documents as outlined in the application
• Pay the fifty dollar ($50) nonrefundable application fee as required by KRS 438.3063(1).
Applications are available exclusively through the ABC’s online portal: https://abcportal.ky.gov/BELLEExternal
“Do not delay,” according to ABC, “as selling tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products without a license after January 1, 2026 will result in appropriate enforcement action.”
For help, contact the ABC at abc.info@ky.gov.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
