Las Vegas, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- License Type
- Privileged business license (Ch. 6.82)
- Trigger Threshold
- 10% of revenue or floor space
- Employee Requirement
- Work card required (Ch. 6.86)
- Age Limit
- No entry under 21 unescorted
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
Operating a smoke or vape shop in Las Vegas requires a privileged business license under LVMC Chapter 6.82, plus a work card for any employee who handles tobacco, hemp, cannabis paraphernalia, or runs daily operations.
No person shall engage in business as a smoke or vape shop within the City without first obtaining a business license pursuant to this Chapter. The license required by this Chapter shall be a privileged license subject to the provisions of LVMC Chapter 6.06.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 61).
Full Breakdown
The City defines a 'smoke or vape shop' as any business deriving 10% or more of gross revenue, or devoting 10% or more of retail floor space, to smoking/vaping paraphernalia, cannabis paraphernalia, hemp, or hemp-derived products. LVMC 6.82.020 requires a privileged business license before opening, and any employee who sells or handles tobacco or cannabis paraphernalia, hemp, or hemp-derived products, or has daily control of operations, must separately hold a work card under LVMC Chapter 6.86. Shops selling hemp products must post specific THC-disclosure and 'not licensed to sell cannabis' signage. No one under 21 may enter or remain unless continuously accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (LVMC 6.82.040).
Violations & Fines
Operating without the required license or work card is a misdemeanor under the Code's general penalty (LVMC 1.24.010): a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to open a smoke shop in Las Vegas?
Can minors enter a Las Vegas smoke shop?
Can one shop hold both a smoke shop and lounge license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Vegas
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How other cities in Clark County handle tobacco retail license.