All retailers selling tobacco, e-cigarettes, or nicotine products in Boston must hold a permit from the Boston Public Health Commission and follow flavor restrictions, age 21 sales limits, and capped citywide license counts.
Under Boston Public Health Commission regulations adopted pursuant to MGL Ch. 270 §6 and Ch. 111 §31, every tobacco retailer must obtain an annual Tobacco Sales Permit. The number of permits is capped, with no new permits issued, creating a transferable but scarce license. Sales of flavored tobacco, including menthol and flavored vape products, are prohibited statewide under the 2019 Massachusetts flavor ban. Retailers must verify that purchasers are 21 or older, prominently post warning signage, and undergo BPHC compliance checks. Pharmacies and healthcare-facility-adjacent retailers cannot sell tobacco anywhere in Boston.
Violations carry escalating fines starting at $1,000 for a first offense, permit suspension for 7 to 30 days for repeat sales-to-minors, and permanent revocation for chronic violations under BPHC regulations.
See how Boston's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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