Ala. Code §§ 8-19-1 to 8-19-15 § 8-19-12
Violations.
Operative Text
(a) Any person who continuously and willfully violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. (b) In addition to any other penalties set forth in this chapter, a person who violates subdivision (23) of Section 8-19-5: (1) Shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. (2) Shall be subject to the revocation of any license or permit pertaining to the sale or distribution of cigarettes or other tobacco products, including, but not limited to, any license or permit issued by the Commissioner of Revenue pursuant to Chapter 25 of Title 40. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any law enforcement officer or agent of the Department of Revenue shall seize any cigarettes that are acquired, held, owned, possessed, transported in, imported into, or sold or distributed in this state in violation of subdivision (23) of Section 8-19-5. Any cigarettes so seized shall be deemed contraband goods and shall be confiscated and destroyed. Such cigarettes shall be deemed contraband goods whether the violation is knowing or otherwise.
Alabama Code §§ 8-19-1 to 8-19-15, § 8-19-12 establishes criminal and administrative consequences for violations of the state's consumer protection chapter. A person who continuously and willfully breaks any provision of the chapter can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Those who specifically violate the cigarette or tobacco-related prohibition in § 8-19-5(23) face additional consequences, including potential license revocation and the seizure and destruction of any cigarettes involved—regardless of whether the violation was intentional.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners or managers who sell or distribute cigarettes or tobacco products as part of their business operations should be aware that § 8-19-12 ties compliance directly to the ability to hold relevant licenses and permits. A compliant operator generally ensures that all tobacco sales and distribution practices conform to § 8-19-5(23) to avoid criminal exposure and the loss of any Commissioner of Revenue-issued permits. Operators typically maintain clear internal policies and records to demonstrate that any tobacco-related activity meets state standards under this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants who encounter landlords or property managers engaged in what appears to be unlawful tobacco product sales or distribution on rental premises may find § 8-19-12 relevant to understanding the legal framework that applies. This provision allows law enforcement officers and agents of the Alabama Department of Revenue to seize contraband cigarettes and pursue criminal and licensing consequences against violators. Tenants who believe a violation is occurring can report concerns to local law enforcement or the Alabama Department of Revenue, or consult a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation