South Carolina § 16-17-502 - Distribution of tobacco product samples.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-17-502 — Distribution of tobacco product samples., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-17-502. Distribution of tobacco product samples.
(A) It is unlawful for a person to distribute a tobacco product sample to a person under the age of eighteen years.
(B) A person engaged in sampling shall demand proof of age from a prospective recipient if an ordinary person would conclude on the basis of appearance that the prospective recipient may be under the age of eighteen years.
(C) A person violating this section is subject to the penalties set forth in Section 16-17-500(E).
(D) A tobacco retail establishment violating this section is subject to administrative penalties as provided in Section 16-17-500(E)(3).
HISTORY: 1996 Act No. 445, SECTION 2; 2013 Act No. 35, SECTION 3, eff June 7, 2013; 2023 Act No. 38 (H.3681), SECTION 7, eff August 14, 2023.
Editor's Note
2023 Act No. 38, SECTIONS 1, 3 to 4, and 13, provide as follows:
"SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the 'Omnibus Tobacco Enforcement Act of 2023'."
"SECTION 3. Laws, ordinances, or rules enacted by political subdivisions of this State prior to December 31, 2020, pertaining to ingredients, flavors, or licensing, related to the sale of cigarettes, electronic smoking devices, e-liquid, vapor products, tobacco products, or any other products containing nicotine that can be ingested into the body by chewing, smoking, absorbing, dissolving, inhaling, or by any means, and municipal code amendments to said laws, ordinances, or rules, are exempt from the preemption imposed by this act. Nothing in this act shall be construed to interfere with a political subdivision's authority to determine its own public-use policies relating to any of the products referenced in this act.
"SECTION 4. Nothing in this act shall be construed to interfere with a political subdivision's authority under Chapter 29, Title 6, including, without limitation, with respect to land use regulation, land development regulation, zoning, or permitting."
"SECTION 13. This act takes effect ninety days after approval by the Governor except SECTION 2, SECTION 3, and SECTION 4 which take effect upon approval by the Governor."
Effect of Amendment
2023 Act No. 38, SECTION 7, in (A), deleted "or an alternative nicotine product" following "tobacco product"; rewrote (C); and added (D).
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 16-17-502
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-17-502 cover?
Section 16-17-502 ("Distribution of tobacco product samples.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. 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 South Carolina § 16-17-502?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 16-17-502" (South Carolina). 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 South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 16-17-502 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina.