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Smoke-Free Policies Development & Reports

Smoke-Free Schools

All Bourbon County Schools are proud to be 100% tobacco-free! In 2019, the Kentucky General Assembly passed House Bill 11, requiring all school districts across the state to implement comprehensive tobacco-free policies.

Kentucky law (KRS 158.149) mandates that every school district maintain a 100% tobacco-free campus and provide students with access to evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation education and resources.

In 2024, this law was strengthened through the passage of House Bill 142, further reinforcing Kentucky’s commitment to reducing youth tobacco use and promoting public health. Click here for more information.

Smoke Free Establishment Inquiry

The Bourbon County Health Department can offer technical assistance to any local business or manufacturer in developing a smoke-free or tobacco-free workplace policy. Please contact 859-987-1915 for additional information.

Bourbon County, Percent of Smoke-Free Food Service Establishments

Clean Indoor Air Poll & Air Quality Monitoring Reports

See our 2015 public opinion poll that shows more than 6 of 10 adults surveyed support a comprehensive, local smoke-free ordinance that covers all indoor public spaces. Read the report.

See our 2010 public opinion poll that show a majority are in favor of a smoke-free Bourbon County. Read the report.

See our 2010 Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Report for Bourbon County public venues. Read the report.

Tobacco Sales & Retailer Licensing Laws (Update 2026)

Beginning July 1, 2026, Kentucky law requires all retailers selling tobacco or nicotine products to obtain a state-issued license (SB100, SB245). This change reflects updates made during the most recent legislative session, which extended the original compliance deadline.

This requirement applies to all products containing tobacco or nicotine, including E-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, cigars, traditional cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other smokeless products. A statewide licensing system helps ensure consistent education for retailers, strengthens enforcement of tobacco laws, reduces youth access, and protects public health.

Licensing Requirements

Retailers must pay a $50 non-refundable application fee as a first step to obtaining a license. If the application is approved the $50 will applied to the $500 licensing fee. The license must be renewed annually and is not transferable if the business changes ownership. Once issued, the license must be displayed in a clearly visible location (such as near the point of sale or behind the counter).

Important:

Retailers are not required to display a license until July 1, 2026. The absence of a license prior to this date does not necessarily indicate noncompliance.

Compliance and Enforcement

Selling tobacco or nicotine products to individuals under age 21 is illegal and may result in penalties for both the employee and the business owner. Penalties increase with repeated violations. A fourth violation within two years results in automatic license revocation, preventing the retailer from reapplying for two years. Failure to pay fines may result in temporary suspension of the ability to sell tobacco or vaping products.

Operating without a valid license after the deadline may result in significant penalties, including fines starting at $5,000 for a first offense. These enforcement measures reflect the state’s strong commitment to preventing youth access and ensuring retailer accountability.

Reporting Retailer Violations

This section is under development and will be added following the July 1, 2026 compliance deadline.