Georgia § 16-12-174 - Distribution of tobacco product samples.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-12-174 — Distribution of tobacco product samples., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-12-174. Distribution of tobacco product samples.
As used in this Code section, the term "tobacco product sample" means a cigarette, tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product distributed to members of the general public at no cost for purposes of promoting the product. It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute any tobacco product sample to any individual under the age of 21 years. A person distributing tobacco product samples shall require proof of age from a prospective recipient if an ordinary person would conclude on the basis of appearance that such prospective recipient may be under the age of 21 years. It shall be unlawful for any individual who has not attained the age of 21 years to receive or attempt to receive any tobacco product sample. No person shall distribute tobacco product samples on any public street, sidewalk, or park within 500 feet of any school or playground when those facilities are being used primarily by individuals under the age of 21 years. A violation of subsection (b), (c), or (e) of this Code section shall be punished as a misdemeanor. A violation of subsection (d) of this Code section shall be punished as provided for in paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Code Section 16-12-171 . (Code 1981, § 16-12-174 , enacted by Ga. L. 1993, p. 343, § 5; Ga. L. 2014, p. 130, § 5/HB 251; Ga. L. 2020, p. 257, § 1/SB 375.) The 2020 amendment, effective July 22, 2020, throughout this Code section, substituted "individual" for "person" and substituted "21 years" for "18 years"; substituted "individuals" for "persons" near the end of subsection (e); and, in subsection (f), substituted "A violation of subsection (b), (c), or (e) of this Code section" for "Violation of this Code section" at the beginning and added the last sentence.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 16-12-174
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-12-174 cover?
Section 16-12-174 ("Distribution of tobacco product samples.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 16-12-174?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-12-174" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 16-12-174 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.