Oak Park, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Village Code Chapter 8, Article 6, the Comprehensive Regulation of Tobacco Products, covers cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and electronic cigarettes alike, defining an e-cigarette as any device that vaporizes nicotine to simulate smoking. Selling, giving away or keeping tobacco products or accessories for sale within the Village without a tobacco dealer's license is unlawful, and the license is nonassignable and nontransferable, though it can move between vending machines. As of January 1, 2020, the Village will not issue a new tobacco license within 500 feet of a school, child care facility or other location used primarily for the education or recreation of people under 21, though existing licenses at that time may renew and a location may transfer with a business sale.

Products must be sold from behind a counter, not self-service, and required warning signs must be posted in red letters at least one inch tall. Sales to anyone under 21 are barred, as is sale of flavored tobacco products and electronic cigarette skins, and vending machines need a locking device unless restricted to adults-only premises. Every licensee is responsible for violations committed by its employees and agents. The Village Manager enforces the article: suspending, not renewing or revoking a license for a violation, or levying a fine, but only after a hearing preceded by seven days' written notice to the licensee.