Detroit retailers selling tobacco, vape, or nicotine products must hold a city Business License under Title 21 plus a Michigan Treasury tobacco license. Sales to anyone under 21 are barred federally and statewide.
Tobacco and vape retailers in Detroit must obtain a city Business License through the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) under Title 21 of the Detroit Code, plus a state Tobacco Products Tax license from the Michigan Treasury under MCL 205.421 et seq. Federal Tobacco 21 and Michigan PA 2024-228 prohibit sales to anyone under 21. Detroit zoning restricts tobacco specialty stores from operating within set distances of schools and parks. Retailers must post age signage, request ID for buyers under 30, and may not sell flavored products in some categories where state restrictions apply.
Sales to minors trigger civil fines starting at $100 escalating to $2,500 per repeat violation, suspension of state tobacco license, and potential revocation of Detroit Business License after repeated offenses.
See how Detroit's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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