Chicago retailers need both a Tobacco Dealer license and a Cigarette Tax stamp registration under MCC Ch. 4-64 and Ch. 3-42. BACP enforces sales rules, age 21 minimums under Tobacco 21, and posted retail license signage. Flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes face a citywide ban.
Municipal Code of Chicago Ch. 4-64 requires every cigarette and tobacco retailer to hold a BACP-issued Tobacco Dealer license and, for cigarette sellers, register with the Department of Finance under Ch. 3-42 to collect the city's $1.18-per-pack cigarette tax on top of the Cook County and state stamps. Tobacco 21 sets minimum sale age at 21, mirroring state and federal law. MCC §4-64-180 bans the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars, anywhere within 500 feet of a school. Self-service displays are prohibited. License caps and density limits apply in over-saturated wards under MCC 4-64-181. Annual renewal fees, employee training, and posted signage are required.
Selling without a Tobacco Dealer license is a misdemeanor under MCC 4-4-340 and 4-64-700 with fines $1,000-$5,000 per offense, license revocation, three-year reapplication bar, and seizure of inventory plus uncollected cigarette tax assessments.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Municipal Code 4-64-180 restricts the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol, mint, fruit, and candy flavors, except in adult-only toba...
Chicago, IL
Chicago smoke and vape shops operate under MCC Ch. 4-64 tobacco dealer licensing plus MCC Ch. 17-3 commercial zoning. Flavored tobacco sales are banned withi...
See how Chicago's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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