Erie's Business Licensing & Operations: The Rules That Matter

Erie maintains 104 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Erie falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tobacco Retail License

Erie tobacco retailers are licensed primarily at the state level. Pennsylvania Act 112 of 2020 (codified at 18 Pa.C.S. §6305) raised the minimum sales age to 21 for all tobacco products including e-cigarettes and vapes, and the PA Department of Revenue issues the Cigarette Dealer License. Erie retailers must also hold a city Business Privilege License from the Erie City Treasurer; Erie has not enacted a separate municipal tobacco license.

Key details: State Age: 21 (Act 112 of 2020, 18 Pa.C.S. §6305). State License: PA Cigarette Dealer License (Revenue Dept.). City License: Erie Business Privilege License. Local Tobacco License: None separate from BPL. Indoor Smoking: Banned (PA Clean Indoor Air Act).

Selling tobacco to a person under 21 is a summary offense under 18 Pa.C.S. §6305 with fines escalating from $100 to $500 for repeat offenses, plus possible license suspension. PA Department of Revenue can suspend or revoke the Cigarette Dealer License for tax violations. Erie Code Enforcement can cite for operating without a Business Privilege License under the city's Business Privilege & Mercantile Tax ordinance.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Erie actively enforces its tobacco retail license requirements.

Secondhand Dealers

Erie secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers are regulated primarily under Pennsylvania state law - the Pawnbrokers License Act (63 P.S. §281-1 et seq.) and the Precious Metals Sales Act (73 P.S. §1932 et seq.) - and must hold an Erie Business Privilege License. PA requires precious-metals dealers to register with the Pennsylvania State Police, keep transaction records for 4 years, and hold purchased items for at least 7 days before resale.

Key details: Pawnbroker Statute: PA Pawnbrokers License Act (63 P.S. §281). Precious Metals Statute: 73 P.S. §1932 et seq.. PSP Registration: Form SP4-302 required. Hold Period: 7 days minimum (precious metals). Recordkeeping: 4 years.

Operating a pawnshop without a Department of Banking and Securities license is a third-degree misdemeanor under 63 P.S. §281-25, punishable by up to 1 year and a $2,500 fine. Failing to register as a precious-metals dealer or to file required reports under 73 P.S. §1937 is a summary offense for the first violation and a third-degree misdemeanor for repeats, with fines up to $1,000 and license suspension. Erie can additionally cite for operating without a Business Privilege License.

This is one of the stricter rules in Erie's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Erie is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Erie, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Erie can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.