Wayne County tobacco retailers must follow Michigan's Tobacco 21 law (MCL §722.642) and hold state Tobacco Products Tax Act licensing through Treasury. Detroit and several Wayne cities add local retailer permits, ID-check programs, and density limits near schools.
Michigan raised the legal tobacco age to 21 under MCL §722.642 (PA 2019-1), aligning with federal law. Retailers selling cigarettes, vapes, or cigars countywide need Michigan Treasury licensing under the Tobacco Products Tax Act. Detroit added municipal retailer licensing with $250 annual fees, mandatory employee training, and 500-foot buffers from K-12 schools for new permits. Failure to verify ID for buyers under 30 triggers civil violations. Flavored vape sales remain legal in Michigan after a 2019 emergency rule was struck down by Court of Claims, though pending legislation could change this.
Selling tobacco to anyone under 21 yields civil fines escalating from $100 to $2,500 plus state license suspension. Local Detroit violations add $500 administrative penalties.
See how Dearborn's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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