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Columbus, OH Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required from
Columbus Board of Health
Covers
vape pens, e-cigarettes, e-hookahs
Violation
civil penalty, § 715.99
Enforced by
Columbus Public Health Department

Summary

Vape shops and any retailer selling tobacco products in Columbus must hold a valid license from the Columbus Board of Health before selling: unlicensed sales draw a civil penalty under the city's tobacco distribution law.

No person shall give, sell, or otherwise distribute Tobacco Products in the City of Columbus without a valid license issued by the Columbus Board of Health.(B)Whoever violates this section is to be assessed a civil penalty pursuant to Section 715.99. (Ord. No. 3253-2022, § 1, 12-12-2022)

Source: Columbus City CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).

Full Breakdown

Columbus City Codes Chapter 715 requires a valid Columbus Board of Health license before any person gives, sells, or distributes a Tobacco Product in the city. Section 715.01(F) defines "Tobacco Product" broadly enough to expressly include electronic smoking devices, vape pens, e-cigarettes, e-cigars, and electronic hookahs, along with their components and substances. Selling without that license is enforced as a civil infraction under Section 715.99, handled by the Columbus Public Health Department, which can also deny a license application to anyone found violating the chapter. Violations by licensees are processed under Chapter 248 of the separate Columbus City Health Code.

Violations & Fines

Selling tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes, without a Board of Health license draws a civil penalty; the Health Department can also deny future license applications for violators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Columbus require a license to sell vapes?
Yes. Columbus City Codes § 715.03 bars selling any Tobacco Product without a valid Columbus Board of Health license, and § 715.01 defines "Tobacco Product" to include electronic smoking devices like vape pens and e-cigarettes.
What happens if a vape retailer sells without a license?
The retailer faces a civil penalty under § 715.99, enforced by the Columbus Public Health Department, which can also deny future license applications for chapter violations.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbus

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All Columbus rules

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