Tobacco retailers and wholesalers are subject to regulation by many governing bodies. A compliant tobacco business often must hold many different licenses at once. Each license must be renewed with the licensing authority annually.
A bond may be required in some cases. One common requirement is that tobacco retailers must conspicuously display their license at each retail location in a manner visible to the public.
Business license considerations
Businesses functioning without the proper license are generally penalized based on the size of the operation and the gravity of the offense.
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Can a person with a non-violent felony obtain a tobacco license?
A felony is rarely an automatic bar to obtaining a business license. Most applications will ask the applicant or owner of the company to provide details and an explanation regarding any criminal convictions. The licensing authority will then investigate the incident and decide on whether to issue the tobacco license or not.
Generally, if you are forthcoming with the information, and the crime is not directly related to the license you are seeking (for e.g. selling tobacco products to a minor); you will be issued the license. Please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist. -
We are buying a business with a current tobacco license. Can we transfer that license into our name, or do we have to obtain a new one?
Tobacco wholesales, retailers and vending machine operators must be licensed as dealers in most states. These licenses are not transferable, so when business ownership is transferred, the new owner is responsible for obtaining a new tobacco license. For more information please contact a business license specialist. Our experts will guide you through the process to ensure your business holds the proper license.