This month, local municipal officials in Wisconsin began enforcing a new state law requiring vape shops to obtain a retail license. Prior to the passage of Wisconsin Bill 73 in December 2023, retailers only sold vaping devices; that is, not tobacco products such as cigarettes, and did not require a license to sell vaping products.

Portage County Community Health Educator Bryar Drexler said the law will help regulate nicotine product sales in the state. There are many unregulated e-cigarettes on the market, so this regulation is great for our retailers and the community at large as e-cigarettes have become the device of choice for nicotine consumption.

Emma Kane, executive director of Community Action for Healthy Living (CAHL), said the new law was a step in the right direction but more oversight was needed, particularly to help protect young people from nicotine addiction . “The new law is sparking new community conversations about vaping in Wisconsin and the importance of local voices on this issue.”

Wisconsin does not have a state Tobacco 21 law, which means local law enforcement does not have the authority to enforce federal laws that exceed the existing 18-year-old state law.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue recently released a new retail license form, CTV-100, which has been updated to include all tobacco and vaping products. This form is for use by all villages, towns and cities in Wisconsin. Currently, the licensing fee for tobacco and vape shops is $100.

CAHL is contacting municipal clerks in northeastern Wisconsin to increase communications with e-cigarette retailers, specifically regarding compliance with Wisconsin’s federal Tobacco 21 law. CAHL also operates Wisconsin’s local Wins tobacco and e-cigarette retailer inspection, education and outreach programs.

The program provides free retailer training, store signage and other resources to help prevent underage tobacco and e-cigarette sales. “As we work on the 21st Century Tobacco Act in Wisconsin, our local communities will take back our voices on this issue,” Kane said. “The new vape shop licensing bill strengthens our ties with retailers, which It’s a good thing.”

Wisconsin residents can use the toll-free Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line by texting READY to 34191. Residents 13 and older can also use the 24/7 Quit Line by calling 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visiting WiQuitLine.org. Teens ages 13-17 who specifically want to quit vaping can text VAPEFREE to 873373 to get free help via text message. The American Indian Quitline 888-7AI-QUIT (888-724-7848) provides free, culturally tailored support to Native people who want to quit commercial tobacco.