Can You Still Buy Cigarettes from a Vending Machine?
Cigarette vending machines were once a common sight in bars, restaurants, and public spaces. However, due to increasing tobacco regulations, their availability has been heavily restricted. As of 2025, most states have laws limiting vending machine cigarette sales to adult-only venues or banning them altogether.
This guide provides a state-by-state breakdown of cigarette vending machine laws to help you determine where you can legally purchase cigarettes from a vending machine.
Cigarette Vending Machine Laws by State (2025)
Use the table below to check vending machine laws in your state:
| State | Vending Machine Regulations |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Allowed only in 21+ establishments |
| Alaska | Prohibited |
| Arizona | Allowed in adult-only establishments |
| Arkansas | Restricted to 21+ locations |
| California | Banned except in minors-restricted areas |
| Colorado | Allowed only in age-restricted venues |
| Connecticut | Allowed in bars and private clubs |
| Delaware | Prohibited except in adult-only places |
| Florida | Restricted to locations inaccessible to minors |
| Georgia | Allowed in 21+ locations |
| Hawaii | Permitted only in minors-restricted venues |
| Idaho | Restricted to adult-only venues |
| Illinois | Prohibited except in age-restricted areas |
| Indiana | Allowed only in establishments not accessible to minors |
| Iowa | Restricted to adult-only locations |
| Kansas | Permitted only in places inaccessible to minors |
| Kentucky | Allowed in minors-restricted locations |
| Louisiana | Restricted to adult-only venues |
| Maine | Prohibited |
| Maryland | Allowed in minors-restricted places |
| Massachusetts | Banned except in adult-only areas |
| Michigan | Restricted to locations inaccessible to minors |
| Minnesota | Permitted in 21+ establishments |
| Mississippi | Allowed in adult-only venues |
| Missouri | Restricted to places where minors are not allowed |
| Montana | Permitted only in adult-only areas |
| Nebraska | Prohibited except in adult-only locations |
| Nevada | Allowed only in minors-restricted locations |
| New Hampshire | Restricted to adult-only establishments |
| New Jersey | Prohibited |
| New Mexico | Allowed in 21+ venues |
| New York | Restricted to adult-only locations |
| North Carolina | Permitted in adult-only venues |
| North Dakota | Allowed only in 21+ areas |
| Ohio | Restricted to adult-only venues |
| Oklahoma | Permitted in minors-restricted locations |
| Oregon | Prohibited |
| Pennsylvania | Allowed in age-restricted locations |
| Rhode Island | Restricted to adult-only locations |
| South Carolina | Permitted in 21+ locations |
| South Dakota | Allowed in adult-only venues |
| Tennessee | Restricted to minors-restricted locations |
| Texas | Allowed in bars & private clubs only |
| Utah | Prohibited |
| Vermont | Prohibited |
| Virginia | Allowed in adult-only establishments |
| Washington | Restricted to minors-restricted areas |
| West Virginia | Permitted in 21+ locations |
| Wisconsin | Allowed in adult-only areas |
| Wyoming | Restricted to 21+ venues |
Why Are Cigarette Vending Machines Restricted?
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act and various state laws aim to prevent underage smoking. Vending machines are often unsupervised, making them an easy target for minors. To combat this, most states now only allow vending machine sales in places where minors are not allowed, such as bars, casinos, or private clubs.
Alternative Ways to Buy Cigarettes
If you can't find a vending machine in your area, consider these alternatives:
- Gas Stations & Convenience Stores – Available in most states with proper ID
- Tobacco Shops – Carry a wider selection of brands
- Membership Warehouse Clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club) – Offer bulk discounts
-
Online Retailers – Some brands are available online for delivery