New bill proposal would allow remote tobacco sales through mail and online in Utah

[JohnS]

New bill proposal would allow remote tobacco sales through mail and online

by Alexa McFadden - Tue, February 3, 2026 at 11:07 AM GMT+11

New bill proposal would allow remote tobacco sales through mail and online

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A proposed bill in Utah would amend current law that prohibits tobacco sales other than in-person. If passed, this bill would authorize the sale of a cigar or pipe tobacco via telephone, mail, internet, and other remote sales.

According to Utah Tobacco Laws, it is currently illegal to sell tobacco through telephone, mail, internet, or self-service displays. The two exceptions, as stated on the website, are:

1.     Tobacco retailers are allowed to sell tobacco products, electronic cigarette products, or nicotine products by telephone, mail or the internet only to buyers who have a tobacco license.
2.     Retail tobacco specialty businesses are allowed to have self-service displays, such as vending machines.

The website explains, “This law is meant to keep tobacco products, electronic cigarette products, and nicotine products away from individuals younger than 21 years of age. Within a store, it’s easier for the cashier to check for identification.”

H.B. 447 was introduced Feb. 2 and is a proposed bill in the 2026 General Session in the State of Utah. The bill enacts provisions in regard to the sales of cigars and pipe tobacco, allowing remote sales.

Shipping & Taxes

In addition to authorizing the sale of a cigar or pipe tobacco through other means besides in-person, the bill explains the licensing, bonding, and taxation of cigar and pipe tobacco transactions between a remote seller and a Utah customer. It states the tax levied “shall be paid by the manufacturer, jobber, distributor, wholesaler, retailer, user, or consumer.”

The bill describes the tax would be .86 multiplied by the manufacturer’s sales price. Tax for moist snuff will be imposed at a rate of $1.83 per ounce. A little cigar would be taxed the same rates as a cigarette. A cigarette produced from a cigarette rolling machine would have tax imposed from the date of production.

Regarding shipping costs, the bill states the manufacturer’s sales price would include an original Utah destination freight charge, regardless of the tobacco’s origin or destination and regardless of who pays the original Utah destination freight charge.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a criminal penalty for failing to obey the licensing, bonding, and tax collection requirements.

Remote Sales

A remote cigar or pipe tobacco seller would be legal if they are compliant with licensing, bonding, and tax requirements. They would have to annually report to the commission the number of remote retail sales of cigars or pipe tobacco and the gross sales amount. Additionally, sellers must comply with age and access requirements as well as using an age verification system at time of sale.

The bill states a remote seller cannot make a sale, other than face-to-face, of any product containing nicotine or tobacco that is not a cigar or pipe tobacco.

Licensing

The commission would be able to issue a license to allow retail sale of a cigar or pipe tobacco once an application is submitted. The application includes:

• The retailer’s name
• The address of the facility from which the retailer will remotely sell a cigar or pipe tobacco
• The retailer’s federal identification number
• Proof the retailer uses an age verification system
• Proof of receipt of a sales tax license
• Any additional information the commission requires

A sales license would be valid for three years and would only valid for a single facility. A license can be renewed.

A license could be denied if the retailer submits misleading or false information on the application and if they had a license to sell tobacco or nicotine products revoked in another state.

The bill states selling cigar or pipe tobacco remotely without a license is a class B misdemeanor and could be punishable with a $5,000 fine.

Source: https://www.abc4.com/news/politics/new-bill-proposal-allows-online-phone-mail-tobacco-sales/

[JohnS]

Bill Proposes Allowing Internet/Mail Order Sales to Utah

February 3, 2026 - Charlie Minato

While many people would suggest that California or New York are the least cigar-friendly states in the nation, Utah is the clear leader for two clear reasons: a. Utah has an 86 percent uncapped tax on cigars, the highest in the U.S., b. Utah is one of two states that ban shipments of cigars ordered from out-of-state retailers.

Yesterday, a bill was introduced that seeks to change the latter.

H.B. 447 would allow for remote sales of cigars and pipe tobacco so long as an out-of-state retailer obtains a license, posts a bond ranging from $500-$1,500, agrees to third-party age verification, and maintains certain records for the state. Additionally, the retailers will need to collect Utah’s excise tax for cigars and sales tax.

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jeff Burton, R-64.

Coincidentally, a bill was introduced last month in Hawaii that would reverse its ban on mail-order shipments.

Hawaii and Utah are the only two states to have such restrictions.

Source: https://halfwheel.com/bill-proposes-allowing-internet-mail-order-sales-to-utah/461666/

[Lucas Buck]

Utah is indeed the most unfriendly state when it comes to tobacco. I lived there the first 20+ years smoking cigars. In 2009 Utah passed the most restrictive smoking ban I have ever seen. Total indoor public ban with zero exceptions even for cigar shops, lounges or private clubs. Also outdoor public ban with zero exceptions including golf courses, festivals, concerts etc. I used to enjoy cigars almost everywhere then in one fell swoop almost nowhere outside of my own home.