Bloomfield, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Section 315-37G(13) of the Bloomfield Township Code, in the Land Development and Zoning chapter, lists smoke shops and vape shops among the uses specifically prohibited, and it states the ban applies in all zones within the Township. Section 315-6 defines a smoke shop as premises dedicated as a principal business to the display, sale, distribution, delivery, offering, furnishing or marketing of tobacco, tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia, including premises that provide an area for smoking. The definition excludes a grocery store, supermarket, convenience store or similar retail use that sells tobacco products. Its description of an area for smoking reaches the inhaling or exhaling of smoke or vapor from an electronic device.

Shops that already existed when the ordinance passed were not shut down. They are not subject to the prohibition, provided they obtained a license from the Township within 60 days of the date of passage. Anyone running a smoke or vape shop needs that license before conducting, maintaining or operating the business. Applications are available from the Township, and no license is issued to a person or entity that cannot pass a criminal background check. The initial application and every renewal must give the owner's name and contact information, the address of the shop, and whether the business is a retailer, a manufacturer of electronic smoking devices, or both.

The annual fee is $1,000. A license is valid for one calendar year, beginning January 1 and expiring December 31, and renewal applications are due to the Township no less than 60 days before expiration. The license has to be posted where every patron entering the shop can see it. Licenses cannot be transferred: a shop that changes ownership files a new application and needs approval before it operates. All fees collected go to fund enforcement of the section and to Township programs for smoking prevention. The Zoning Officer enforces the section.