Springfield, MA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Dept. of Health and Human Services
- Annual fee
- $100 per location
- Covers
- cigarettes and e-cigarettes
- Term
- 1 year, nontransferable
Summary
Every tobacco retailer in Springfield, Massachusetts needs a $100-a-year permit from the Health and Human Services Department for each location, and the definition covers e-cigarettes, not just cigarettes.
After December 1, 1997, all retailers who are required to hold a state license to sell cigarettes, and retailers who sell any other tobacco products, will also be required to hold and maintain a valid permit for location and sales from the City of Springfield for each location at which tobacco products are sold.
C. As part of the tobacco sales permit application process, the applicant will be provided with this chapter. Each applicant is required to sign a statement declaring that the applicant has read said regulation and that the applicant is responsible for instructing any and all employees who will be responsible for tobacco sales regarding both state laws regarding the sale of tobacco and this chapter.
D. Each applicant is required to provide proof of a current tobacco sales license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, when required, before a tobacco sales permit can be issued.
E. After receiving the permit, the merchant will receive signage from the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services which states: "Sales of cigarettes or any tobacco products to persons under age 18 is illegal, MGL Chapter 270, Sections 6 and 7." Any merchant not posting said signage will be in noncompliance with this chapter and subject to penalties per § 362-11 of this chapter. Each tobacco sales permit shall be displayed at the retail establishment in a conspicuous place.
F.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Since December 1, 1997, any Hampden County retailer required to hold a state cigarette license, plus any retailer selling other tobacco products, must also hold a City of Springfield permit for location and sales, issued per location by the Department of Health and Human Services. The one-year permit costs $100, is nontransferable except on a location change, and is conditioned on the retailer accepting unannounced compliance inspections. Because § 362-2 defines 'tobacco product' to include e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery products, retailers selling vaping devices need the same permit.
Violations & Fines
Selling tobacco products without the City permit draws a $50-per-day fine until an application is filed, under § 362-9(J); noncompliance with §§ 362-4 through 362-9 draws a $100 fine under § 362-11(A), escalating to suspension or revocation on repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springfield require a separate tobacco retail permit from the state license?
Do vape retailers need this permit in Springfield, MA?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.