Ankeny, IA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Ankeny Code of Ordinances Chapter 131 requires a separate retail cigarette permit and, for other tobacco or vapor products, a retail tobacco permit, for each place of business (§ 131.02). The City approves applications submitted through the Iowa Department of Revenue's electronic portal and the department issues the permit on the City's behalf (§ 131.04). Fees are seasonal: $100 for permits granted July through September, $75 October through December, $50 January through March, and $25 April through June (§ 131.05). All permits expire June 30 each year and must be renewed before that date (§ 131.07).

A retailer may surrender an unrevoked permit for a refund except during April, May or June (§ 131.08). Self-service tobacco and vapor displays are prohibited outright except for cigarette vending machines allowed under Iowa Code § 453A.36 (§ 131.10). Selling to anyone under 21, including through a vending machine, triggers escalating civil penalties under § 131.09: $300 for a first violation with automatic 14-day suspension if unpaid, $1,500 or a 30-day suspension for a second violation within two years, $1,500 plus a 30-day suspension for a third within three years, $1,500 plus a 60-day suspension for a fourth within three years, and outright revocation on a fifth violation within four years.

The Clerk must give 10 days' written notice before any suspension or revocation hearing, and the Council may also revoke a permit for any violation of Iowa Code Chapter 453A, Division I (§ 131.11), barring reissuance to that holder or location for one year absent good cause shown.