Virginia Beach, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

C. A violation of subsection A or B by an individual or by a separate retail establishment is punishable by a civil penalty in the amount of $500 for a first violation and a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500 for a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period. If applicable, upon a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period, the Department of Taxation may suspend or revoke any approved license, permit, or registration issued pursuant to subsection C of § 58.1-1021.04:1 . For any violation of this section by an employee of a retail establishment, (i) such penalty shall be assessed against the establishment and (ii) an additional penalty of $100 shall be assessed against the employee. Any attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which an alleged violation occurred may bring an action to recover the civil penalty, which shall be paid into the state treasury. Any law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for a violation of subsection A or B. D. 1. Cigarettes and hemp products intended for smoking shall be sold only in sealed packages provided by the manufacturer, with the required health warning. The proprietor of every retail establishment that offers for sale any retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking shall post in a conspicuous manner and place a sign or signs indicating that the sale of retail tobacco products or hemp products intended for smoking to any person under 21 years of age is prohibited by law. Any attorney for the county, city, or town in which an alleged violation of this subsection occurred may enforce this subsection by civil action to recover a civil penalty not to exceed $500. The civil penalty shall be paid into the local treasury. No filing fee or other fee or cost shall be charged to the county, city, or town which instituted the action. F. Agents of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority designated pursuant to § 4.1-105 may issue a summons for any violation of this section. Additionally, any retailer selling retail tobacco products shall be subject to the enforcement and compliance provisions of Chapter 23.2 (§ 59.1-293.10 et seq.) of Title 59.1.