Regulatory — VRGA

VRGA's 2026 Legislative Session Priorities:

VRGA is advocating for practical solutions and pushing back on costly or burdensome proposals, all with the goal of strengthening Vermont's retail and grocery sectors.

Swipe Fee Reform
Eliminate swipe fees on the tax and gratuity portions of a card transaction.

Balanced Data Privacy
Support a data privacy framework that avoids private rights of action and is workable for Vermont's businesses.

Symmetrical Rounding
Formally authorize rounding to the nearest nickel for cash sales, now that pennies are no longer in circulation.

Retail Theft and Recidivism Update
Update legal definitions to ensure repeat retail theft offenses are recognized and addressed appropriately.

Bottle Bill Expansion
A new expansion proposal is expected. VRGA will engage fully to protect members' interests.

Retail Pricing Legislation
The Agency of Agriculture is preparing a bill that would standardize and enforce retail unit pricing requirements across store formats. While this aims to improve consumer transparency, the draft raises operational concerns for many retailers. VRGA is gathering member feedback to ensure any proposal is workable and reflects real-world retail practices. Please let us know how this proposal would impact you! Bill Summary here.

We are also monitoring key developments in labor law, housing, permitting, environmental compliance, and food access programs.

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