Smoke shops in Spokane need a city business license plus state tobacco and vapor product retailer licenses. Cannabis retail is regulated separately by the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board with strict zoning buffers.
Spokane treats smoke shops, hookah lounges, and vape stores as standard retail under SMC Chapter 1.05 business licensing, requiring a city license and applicable state tobacco or vapor product retailer registration with the Department of Revenue. Smoking inside enclosed retail spaces is banned by Washington's Smoking in Public Places Act (RCW 70.160), so on-site sampling is restricted. Hookah lounges face the same indoor smoking ban. Cannabis retail is a distinct license issued by the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board with state-mandated 1,000-foot buffers from schools, parks, and childcare, modified locally under SMC Chapter 17C.
Operating without a city business license or state tobacco license can lead to citations under SMC Ch. 1.05; indoor smoking violations carry $100 fines under RCW 70.160.
Spokane, WA
Spokane allows licensed cannabis retailers only in commercial and industrial zones, at least 1,000 feet from schools, playgrounds, child care, libraries, and...
Spokane, WA
Spokane tobacco and vape retailers operate under Washington state licensing through the Department of Revenue. Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited under ...
See how Spokane's smoke shop rules rules stack up against other locations.
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