Denver requires every tobacco, vape, and nicotine retailer to hold a city license under DRMC Ch. 24. The 2020 ordinance also bans flavored vape and tobacco sales citywide and raises the purchase age to 21 with photo-ID verification.
Under Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 24, Article XV, every store selling cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, vape devices, or nicotine pouches needs a tobacco retail license issued by the Department of Excise and Licenses. The 2020 amendment banned the sale of all flavored tobacco and vape products, including menthol, in city limits. Retailers must verify photo ID for buyers under 30, train staff annually, post age-21 signage, and submit to compliance checks. Density caps prevent new tobacco stores within 1,000 feet of schools. Two underage sales in 24 months can revoke the license. Denver's rules survived 2021 state preemption challenges.
Selling tobacco without a Denver license, selling flavored products, or selling to anyone under 21 triggers fines, license suspension or revocation, criminal misdemeanor charges, and Colorado Department of Revenue penalties on the underlying excise tax.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Denver, CO
Denver's Zoning Code allows residential lawn ornaments and statuary without permits provided they do not exceed accessory-structure height limits in DZC Arti...
Denver, CO
Denver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Blower-motor noise falls under DRMC 36-6 (Noise) limits, lighted inflata...
Denver, CO
Denver has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. DRMC Chapter 36 (Noise) governs amplified outdoor displays, DZC Ar...
Denver, CO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Denver require permits from Community Planning and Development whenever the project includes gas piping, electrical, plumbing, o...
Denver, CO
Backyard wood and pellet smokers are allowed at single-family Denver homes but are governed by DRMC Chapter 4 (Air Pollution Control) and Colorado Department...
Denver, CO
Denver Fire Code (DRMC Title 9, adopting IFC 2018 with amendments) Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal grills and LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible b...
See how Denver'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.