Guide

Venue Qualification Checklist

Everything a compliance review will ask, in the order it will ask it.

1. Age access — decides everything else

• The premises is restricted to guests aged 21 and over at all times.
• No under-21 entry for daytime trade, private hire, family events or functions.
• Entry is controlled and identification is actually checked.
• Any staff under 21 have been flagged for manual review.

2. Licensing

• It is settled who holds the tobacco retail licence for this address.
• The venue can give written permission for the operator to trade at the address.
• Local rules for the address have been checked, not just state rules.

3. Signage and verification

• Required signage for a tobacco-product vending location is in place.
• Age and identity verification happens at the point of sale, every sale.

4. Placement

• Wall position visible to staff or security.
• Standard power outlet within reach.
• Reliable Wi-Fi or Ethernet at that point.
• Clearance for a guest to stand without blocking a walkway or exit.
• Access for restocking and servicing without disrupting trade.

5. Commercial and risk

• Who is liable for an underage sale is written down.
• Machine ownership and end-of-term treatment are written down.
• Stock ownership is written down.
• Insurance position has been checked by both sides.
• Payment and data handling responsibilities are clear.

Last reviewed 1 September 2026. A person rechecks the sources before this date changes.