Alcohol/Vape Missing Age Gate

CRITICAL REJECTION

15%

Rejection Rate

1-2 hrs

Avg Fix Time

95%

Success Rate

Why This Rejection Happens

This is a specialized variation of Code 706/707. The vetting team has identified your content as promoting Alcohol, Tobacco, or Vaping, but your website lacks the federally required Age Gate (21+). Unlike general age restrictions, this specific code flags sites where the gate is missing, broken, or easily bypassed (e.g., a simple "Yes/No" button without date entry).

Common Triggers:

Selling "Bar Accessories" where alcohol is visible in photos.
Vape shops claiming to sell only "glassware" but showing e-liquid.
Age gate is in the footer instead of a splash popup.
Gate asks "Are you 18?" (Must be 21 for these categories).

Root Cause Analysis

Regulatory Framework: CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook v1.8 (Section 2.2); PACT Act; FDA Regulations.

Primary Triggers

Visual Confirmation: The human auditor loaded your URL and immediately saw prohibited items (bottles, vapes) without being stopped by a gate.
Weak Gating: You used a weak gate (e.g., a checkbox that says "I confirm I am 21") instead of a robust Age Verification System (AVS) that requires date of birth input.

Robust Age Gate Requirements

Feature	Standard	Why?
Input Type	Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)	Harder to bypass than a "Yes" button.
Cookie Duration	Session Only or 30 Days	Ensures returning users are re-verified periodically.
Block Action	Redirect to Google/Disney	Prevents re-try attempts.

Step-by-Step Remediation

Deploy the Gate

If using Shopify/WordPress, install a plugin like "AgeChecker" or "AgeVerify." Set the minimum age to 21. Ensure it loads on the very first visit.

Update TCR Campaign

Go to the "Campaign Attributes" section. Find "Age Gated Content." Ensure it is marked YES. Resubmit the campaign.

Status Check:
[x] Age Gated Content
[x] Direct Lending (No)
[x] Affiliate Marketing (No)

Pre-Resubmission Checklist

I have cleared my browser cache and verified the gate appears.
The gate specifically requires entering a birthdate (or clicking 21+).
I have double-checked that my content is not prohibited vape products (Code 707).

Fix It Faster

Test your gate visibility.

Site Scanner →

Confirm bots can detect your age gate.

Related Rejections

Code 706 Alcohol Age Gate (Primary) Code 707 Tobacco Age Gate Code 1001 Attribute Missing

Need Coding Help?

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Legal Disclaimer: Code 7007 ensures compliance with age-restriction laws. It is your responsibility to ensure your products are not sold to minors.