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

Sec. 3-102 bars selling cigars, cigarettes, tobacco, cigarette papers, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarette liquids, or alternative nicotine products at any location in the city without first procuring a tobacco license from the Department of Law, and licenses expire annually on April 30. Under Sec. 3-151, every tobacco license application is forwarded to the community development department's current planning division, which investigates whether the proposed location is appropriate and reports findings to the Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board (the same members as the zoning board of appeals). That board holds a public hearing, mailed and posted notice included, before city council votes to approve, modify, or deny the license.