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Waukesha, WI Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Annual license fee
$100.00
License expiration
June 30 every year
Late filing penalty
10% of the license fee
Eligibility
Legal U.S. resident only
Tax delinquency
Bars issuance or renewal

Summary

Selling cigarettes or tobacco products in Waukesha requires a City license under state authority, costing $100.00 a year and expiring every June 30, applied for through the City Clerk before any sales begin.

Pursuant to the authority of sec. 134.65, Wis. Stats., a cigarette and tobacco products retailer license shall be required for any person described in sec. 134.65(1), Wis. Stats. Application for a license shall be made on a form provided by the City Clerk. ... The fee for a license issued hereunder shall be $100.00 per year and shall expire on June 30 of each year. The fee shall be paid before the license is issued.

View official code

Full Breakdown

08, Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer License, requires any retailer described in Wis. 65(1) to hold a City license before selling tobacco products, applying on a form supplied by the City Clerk. 00 per year, must be paid before the license is issued, and expires every June 30 regardless of when it was purchased during the year. Because this license falls under Chapter 8, it is also subject to that chapter's general licensing rules. 25. 26; an applicant contesting that determination can request a hearing before the Common Council within 15 days of notice. 27. 05 of the Municipal Code.

Violations & Fines

Selling tobacco products without a current license, or letting one lapse past June 30 without renewal, exposes the retailer to the general Chapter 8 penalty under section 8.28, enforced through the section 25.05 forfeiture schedule. Filing the application late adds a 10% late-filing penalty under section 8.25, and unpaid City taxes or assessments will block issuance or renewal outright under section 8.26.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a tobacco retailer license cost in Waukesha?
The license fee is $100.00 per year under section 8.08, payable to the City Clerk before the license is issued. The license expires every June 30 no matter when during the year it was purchased.
Can I get a Waukesha tobacco license if I have unpaid property taxes?
No. Section 8.26 bars the City from issuing or renewing any Chapter 8 license, including the tobacco retailer license, for a premises or person with delinquent local taxes or assessments, though the applicant can request a Common Council hearing within 15 days.
What happens if I file my tobacco license application late?
Section 8.25 adds a late-filing penalty equal to 10% of the license fee, which must be paid before the City will issue the license.

Sources & Official References

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