Department of Liquor and Lottery Commissioner Wendy Knight told a legislative committee the bill to move wholesale tobacco licensing to DLL, raise retail and endorsement fees and codify penalties would improve enforcement across the supply chain; members pressed on staffing, penalty language and tax-stamping logistics.

The Department of Liquors and Lottery told the Senate Economic Development committee it can take over licensing of tobacco wholesalers but needs time to build systems and asked for a July 1, 2027 effective date; DLL and the Attorney General's office stressed enforcement of online sales and agreed to provide compliance data to the committee.

The Department of Liquor & Lottery told the House Appropriations Committee FY25–FY26 transfers remain material (liquor transfers projected at $16.8M, lottery to education $32.7M, sports wagering $6.68M); the department is rolling out 802 Spirit kiosk stores, pursuing online B2B ordering for licensees, and is seeking statutory authorization (no FY27 funding request) to permit online lottery sales.

Vermont officials report decreased alcohol sales and challenges in finding hospitality workers.