Lake County, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- License fee
- $100 per year
- Extra vending machine fee
- $25 each
- License term
- June 1 - May 31
- Administered by
- Lake County Health Department
- Applies in
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated Lake County retailers must hold a Health Department tobacco license, $100 per year, before selling tobacco, e-cigarettes, or nicotine products.
No person shall engage in the retail sale or distribution of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products, including the operation of vending machines that dispense tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products, in unincorporated Lake County unless the person is authorized to do so by a current and valid license issued pursuant to this chapter... The annual license fee for a retailer shall be $100 per license.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code § 177.05 bars anyone from selling or distributing tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or alternative nicotine products - including through vending machines - in unincorporated Lake County without a current license issued under Chapter 177. The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center administers applications; the annual fee is $100 per license, plus $25 for each additional vending machine at the same building, running June 1 to May 31. Licenses cannot be transferred between owners or locations. This only covers unincorporated county land - Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville and the county's many other municipalities license tobacco retailers under their own local codes.
Violations & Fines
Selling without a license, letting a license lapse, or transferring one to a new owner or site voids it automatically and can draw suspension or revocation under § 177.07, plus penalties under § 177.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs this license in Lake County?
Can a Waukegan or Gurnee store use this county license?
Can the license be sold with the business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois business licensing & operations overview
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