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Milwaukee, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License fee
$100 per year
Minimum age to hold license
18 years old
Records retention
2 years on premises
Transferable
No: new license required

Summary

Milwaukee requires a city cigarette and tobacco license before selling cigarettes or tobacco products, with a $100 annual fee and a required plan of operation.

LICENSE REQUIRED. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation in any manner, or upon any pretense, or by any device, directly or indirectly, to sell, exchange, barter, dispose of or give away, any cigarettes or tobacco products without first obtaining a license therefor. ... AGE QUALIFICATION. No license shall be issued to any person or any agent of a corporation or limited liability corporation who is not 18 years of age or older.

Source: Milwaukee Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 84-43, it is unlawful to sell, exchange, barter, or give away cigarettes or tobacco products in the city without first obtaining a cigarette and tobacco license from the city clerk. Applicants must submit a plan of operation covering hours, expected daily customers, occupancy limit, off-street parking, security plans, and a site plan showing entrances/exits and parking. No license issues to anyone under 18. The license runs one year from issuance under § 81-21, which sets the fee at $100, and cannot be transferred between licensees or premises. Retailers must keep purchase and receipt records on-site for 2 years, open to inspection by state and local officials.

Violations & Fines

First offense: fine of $25-$100; second or subsequent offense: $25-$200 (or up to $300 with immediate license termination and a 5-year bar for failure to exercise due care), or imprisonment in lieu of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Milwaukee tobacco license cost?
The license fee is $100 per year, running one year from the date of issuance, per City of Milwaukee Code § 81-21.
Can a Milwaukee tobacco license be transferred to a new owner or location?
No. Under § 84-43(9), a cigarette and tobacco license cannot be transferred from one licensee to another or from one premises to another.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

Auto Repair on Residential PropertySome RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSome RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSome RestrictionsSecondhand DealersSome RestrictionsPawnbrokersSignificant RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsFew Restrictions

All Milwaukee rules

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Tobacco Retail License in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Milwaukee County handle tobacco retail license.

West Allis, WI
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Wauwatosa, WI
Significant Restrictions