Montgomery, AL Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- NAICS classification
- 459991, Tobacco/E-Cigarette/Smoking Supplies (Sec. 16-105)
- Fee schedule
- Schedule B, gross-receipts tiered
- Starting fee
- $120 flat up to $51,000 in receipts
- State overlay
- ABC Board permit required for tobacco products
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine per day, unlicensed
Summary
Montgomery classifies cigar shops, e-cigarette retailers and vape shops under NAICS code 459991 in its business license schedule, requiring the same city privilege license every retailer needs, priced on gross receipts under Schedule B. The code also flags that tobacco products remain separately regulated by Alabama's ABC Board, which issues its own retail permit.
459991 Tobacco, Electronic Cigarette, and Other Smoking Supplies— Includes Cigar retailers; E-cigarette retailers; Vape shops; Smokers' supply retailers; Cigarette retailers; Tobacco retailers; Shisha retailers; Hookah-pipe retailers; Marijuana Stores/dispensaries (Medical or other)
** Tobacco products are regulated by the ABC Board, and require a permit from that Board *** Currently, Marijuana Dispensaries must be approved, and certified by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " Schedule B in Sec. 85 per $1,000 above that threshold. Every vape shop or tobacco retailer must hold this privilege license before opening, per Sec. 16-86's general rule that engaging in business without a required license is unlawful. The classification table itself notes that "Tobacco products are regulated by the ABC Board, and require a permit from that Board," meaning a vape or tobacco retailer needs both the city's NAICS-459991 business license and, for tobacco products specifically, a state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board permit.
The same code line separately flags that medical or other marijuana dispensaries require certification from the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, underscoring that the city license layers on top of, rather than replaces, state retail permitting.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 16-86 makes it unlawful to engage in this retail business without first procuring the Schedule B license, punishable by a fine up to $500.00 per offense, each day a separate violation, with willful violations exposing the operator to up to six months' imprisonment; the revenue administrator can also order an unlicensed shop closed until it is licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montgomery require a separate license for vape shops?
Do vape shops also need a state permit in Montgomery?
What does the city license cost for a tobacco or vape retailer?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery
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