Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Denver

Denver, CO Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

License required
Since July 1, 2021
Issuing agency
Excise and Licenses
School/rec buffer
1,000 feet, denial ground
Covers
Vapes and e-cigarettes

Summary

Denver requires a retail tobacco store license to sell vapes, e-cigarettes, or any nicotine product, and the city must deny that license if the shop sits within 1,000 feet of a school or a city-owned recreation center or outdoor pool.

On and after July 1, 2021, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a retail tobacco store without first having obtained a valid retail tobacco store license pursuant to this division 2... An application for a retail tobacco store license shall be denied under this division 2 if... [t]he applicant's proposed location is within one thousand (1,000) feet of any school... [or] any city-owned recreation center or city-owned outdoor pool.

Source: DRMC chapter 24View 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 147 Update 3).

Full Breakdown

The Department of Excise and Licenses issues retail tobacco store licenses under DRMC § 24-420, and the article's definition of "tobacco product" expressly covers any electronic device that delivers nicotine, so vape and e-cig shops fall under the same licensing scheme as cigarette sellers. Operating without a license has been unlawful since July 1, 2021. Under § 24-422(b), the director must deny an application if the proposed location is within 1,000 feet of a school or a city-owned recreation center or outdoor pool, measured in a straight line between property lines, unless the applicant can document tobacco sales at that address before January 1, 2021.

Violations & Fines

Operating a retail tobacco store, including a vape or e-cig shop, without a valid Denver license is unlawful; suspension, revocation, or denial follow the grounds and procedures in DRMC Chapter 32 and § 24-422.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do vape shops need a Denver retail tobacco license?
Yes. DRMC § 24-401(m) defines "tobacco product" to include nicotine-delivery devices, so vape and e-cig retailers need the same § 24-420 license as cigarette sellers.
Can a new vape shop open near a school?
Not if it's within 1,000 feet of a school or a city rec center or pool, § 24-422(b) makes that a denial ground unless the site sold tobacco before January 1, 2021.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denver

Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSome RestrictionsPawnbrokersSignificant RestrictionsSecondhand DealersSignificant RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Denver rules

Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Tobacco Retail License in Denver, CO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.