Regulatory — VRGA

VRGA's 2025 Legislative Session Priorities:

Retail Theft Mitigation

Retail theft continues to challenge retailers across Vermont. VTRGA will advocate for stronger measures to deter theft and protect businesses.

Swipe Fee Reform

VTRGA supports efforts to reform credit card swipe fees by eliminating fees on the sales tax and gratuity portions of transactions. This change would reduce costs for retailers and consumers while addressing an unfair practice that disproportionately impacts small businesses.

Opposition to New Taxes

To support affordability for consumers and protect retailers, VTRGA will oppose any new taxes on essential retail goods, including items such as clothing, beverages, and other products important to our members.

PFAS Regulation

As Vermont addresses PFAS in packaging, VTRGA will work to ensure science-based, practical regulations that minimize supply chain disruptions and provide clear guidance for compliance.

Balanced Data Privacy Legislation

VTRGA supports consumer privacy protections but will advocate for legislation that avoids undue operational burdens for retailers and reduces the risk of litigation while maintaining robust privacy standards.

Opposition to Flavored Vape Product Bans

To protect Vermont’s retail businesses, VTRGA will oppose bans on flavored vape products and advocate for balanced regulations that address public health without harming retailers.

Opposition to Expanding the Bottle Bill

Expansions to Vermont’s bottle bill could increase operational and financial burdens on retailers. VTRGA will oppose such expansions and advocate for alternative solutions to achieve environmental goals.

See here for more regulatory information:

PFAS Guidance (Updated Nov 2023)
Unit Pricing Guidance
COVID-19 OPERATING GUIDANCE
- Covid-19 has introduced a number of temporary regulatory changes at the state level. To find updates on the most recent regulatory happenings, check our COVID-19 Resource page
- Information on PPP, EIDL, FFCRA, and other pandemic related relief programs are on the above COVID-19 resource page and will be updated there.
OSHA OPERATING GUIDANCE FOR COVID-19
- OSHA has issued updated guidance on COVID-19 as of January 2021. Businesses should review the guidance here and ensure they are in full compliance with current OSHA requirements for safe operation.
- VRGA Members can check their Richards Group Portal for detailed guidance on OSHA standards, fillable safety plans, and more.
VERMONT'S PAID SICK LEAVE LAW

BUSINESS TAXES

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

Tobacco Tax Info
Tobacco Tax Rates
Tobacco Substitute Endorsement
Effective July 1, 2016, as enacted by the Vermont Legislature, no person shall engage in the retail sale of tobacco substitutes without also obtaining a tobacco substitute endorsement from the Department of Liquor Control. Tobacco licenses and tobacco substitute endorsements shall expire at midnight, April 30, of each year.
"Tobacco substitute" means products, including electronic cigarettes or other electronic or battery-powered devices, that contain and are designed to deliver nicotine or other substances into the body through inhaling vapor and that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for tobacco cessation or other medical purposes. Products that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for tobacco cessation or other medical purposes shall not be considered to be tobacco substitutes. The annual fee of the endorsement is $50. CLICK HERE for the application and instructions.
Employee Mandatory Education Training Test & Certificate
Statutes and Rules Governing Tobacco Sales and Use
Tobacco Floor Tax Form (CT-644)
S.86 (Tobacco 21 Law)
Effective September 1st, 2019, all tobacco sales to a person under the age of 21 in Vermont are considered illegal. There is no grandfathering. Signage and ID information is below.
DLC Tobacco 21; Sales to Those Under 21 are Illegal Sign (This sign must be prominently displayed)
DLC Age Verification Poster
Valid Forms of ID

RECYCLING & FOOD DONATIONS

Vermont Food Bank Fresh Rescue Program
"Every day, the Vermont Foodbank and our Network Partner food shelves, meal sites, and senior centers work with local retailers to get food to Vermonters facing hunger. The Fresh Rescue Program creates a relationship that allows retailers to donate fresh, perishable food that they are ready to move off the shelves, that is still edible and fit for consumption, to Network Partners who can then distribute healthier food at their organization. The Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Law helps make donations like this possible and network partners are equipped with proper storage and food safety training to transport, store, and distribute food properly. If you’d like to participate in the Fresh Rescue Program, please contact Kelsey Morley, kmorley@vtfoodbank.org, Retail Store Program Manager, at the Vermont Foodbank to learn more."
Act 148: Vermont's Universal Recycling Law
General overview
FAQ for businesses
Symbols for recycling, composting and waste bins

GMO LABELING