Updated October 31, 2026 | John Bosman | 1,284 words
South Carolina is in the middle of a change. Most tobacco retailers don't need a separate tobacco license, but they do need an SCDOR Retail License and must tell the state they sell tobacco. A 2026 law, Act 97, creates an Attorney General directory of approved e-cigarettes that will start no earlier than February 1, 2027, with penalties that reach $3,000. This guide covers both, with links to the official sources, and the coverage questions worth asking.
We work with several insurers, compare the options available to you and explain the differences in writing. You make the choice. We review how your current policy treats vape inventory that may become unsellable, theft, product liability and lost income after a storm and point out what each option excludes. No policy covers everything, and every option depends on underwriting.
South Carolina's statute, S.C. Code 16-17-500, still sets the age at 18 and requires proof of age on demand. Federal law sets 21 for every retailer, and FDA runs compliance checks in the state. Train staff to the federal rule and confirm with counsel. The new directory law also allows unannounced compliance checks.
Under S.C. Code 44-95-65, added by Act 97 of 2026 and effective February 27, 2026:
Reasons Insurance has one office, in New Brighton, MN, and works with South Carolina retailers by phone, email and video. We don't have a South Carolina office, and we won't pretend to. What we do: read your current policy, ask the questions an underwriter will ask about your inventory, security and licensing, and explain the tradeoffs before you decide.
The South Carolina Convenience & Petroleum Marketers Association represents fuel and convenience retailers and follows tobacco and vapor policy in Columbia. Reasons Insurance isn't a member and isn't endorsed by the association; we list it as a resource.
Federal law sets the minimum age to buy any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, cigars, hookah tobacco and nicotine pouches, at 21, with no exceptions, since December 20, 2019. Since September 30, 2024, retailers must check photo ID for anyone under 30. FDA runs compliance checks in every state, and its free Age Calculator app and "This is Our Watch" materials help with clerk training (FDA Tobacco 21). When a state statute says something different from the federal rule, follow the stricter rule and confirm with counsel.
If you sell only tax-paid products, you don't need a tobacco license, but you need an SCDOR Retail License ($50 per location) and must file a Notification of Tobacco Sales in MyDORWAY. Buying untaxed vapor products requires a vapor license.
Act 97 of 2026 requires the Attorney General's ENDS directory to be operational no earlier than February 1, 2027. After that, unlisted products can't be sold.
Within 36 months, civil penalties run up to $500 for a first violation and rise to $1,500 to $3,000 for a fourth.
The state statute still says 18, but federal law sets 21 for every retailer and FDA enforces it. Follow the federal rule, and confirm with counsel.
Yes. We work with shops across South Carolina from our New Brighton, MN office by phone, email and video. Call (651) 636-6911, or (651) 424-1124 for Spanish.
Request a South Carolina tobacco shop coverage review or call (651) 636-6911, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 CT. Want a head start? Try the Commercial Renewal Readiness Score.
Se habla español: llame al (651) 424-1124.
This page is general information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on the policy wording, underwriting and the insurer's decision. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the agency that issues your license.