Charleston tobacco retailers must obtain a city business license under Chapter 10 and comply with West Virginia state tobacco licensing rules, including the statewide age-21 minimum sales age set by W. Va. Code Section 16-9A-1.
Tobacco and vape retailers operating in Charleston must hold both a Charleston business and occupation (B&O) license issued under Chapter 10 of the City Code and the state tobacco products tax license issued by the West Virginia State Tax Department. State law sets the legal sales age at 21 for cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vape products. Retailers must check ID for buyers appearing under 30, post required signage, and avoid sales near schools where prohibited. Sales to minors are subject to state administrative penalties plus city business license suspension or revocation through the city license commissioner.
Sales to anyone under 21, missing license, or failure to verify ID can trigger state fines, license suspension, and Charleston business license revocation by the city.
Charleston, WV
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