Georgia Commissioner of Revenue T. Jerry Jackson has announced that revenue agents will be increasing their monitoring of retail establishments that sell tobacco products.

"Our agents will be concentrating on enforcing the state's underage laws regarding tobacco products," said the commissioner.

"Georgia law prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from purchasing cigarettes or tobacco related-objects. The law also prohibits the sale of cigarettes and tobacco-related objects to minors and it prohibits the purchasing of cigarettes and tobacco-related objects for a minor unless the minor is the child of the purchaser," he added.

The Department of Revenue assumed responsibility for enforcing the state's underage laws regarding tobacco products July 1.

Jackson reminds all retailers of tobacco products that they must have a state license to deal in cigars and cigarettes. The license is available at DOR's Atlanta central office or any of its regional offices. The forms also are available on the Internet at www2.state.ga.us/Departments/DOR/.

Chet Bryant, director of DOR's Alcohol and Tobacco Division, encourages dealers and individuals to comply with the state's tobacco laws and regulations.

"Dealers and individuals who do not comply with the law face criminal and civil penalties," Bryant warned.

 

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