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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chicago, IL
No Chicago-specific ordinance allocates division-fence costs between neighbors; the Illinois Fence Act (765 ILCS 130) applies, requiring adjoining landowners...
Chicago, IL
Chicago Zoning Ordinance 17-17-0309 lets fences encroach into required setbacks: a fence no more than 20% opaque up to 6 feet is allowed in front, side, and ...
Chicago, IL
Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 requires approved smoke alarms in every residential unit: at least one on each story (including basement), within 15 fee...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Landmark Commission approval is required only for perma...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflator-motor noise after hours is enforced under MCC Section 8-32 (noise), and sidewa...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance regulating residential holiday light display windows or brightness. Property maintenance complaints are handled under MCC Section 13...
See how Chicago's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.