Business Licensing & Operations in Richmond, VA (2026)
3 verified business licensing & operations rules for Richmond, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tobacco Retail License
Richmond requires tobacco retailers to hold a city business license under Chapter 6 and comply with Virginia Code Section 18.2-371.2 establishing age 21 as the minimum purchase age. Local stings target underage sales near VCU campuses.
Richmond Tobacco Retail Licensing
Some RestrictionsVa. Code § 18.2-371.2(B), (D)
B. No person shall sell a retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking to any individual who does not demonstrate, by producing a driver's license or similar photo identification issued by a government agency, that the individual is at least 21 years of age. Before a retail dealer may sell retail tobacco products, other than cigar and pipe tobacco products as defined in § 58.1-10...
Smoke Shop Rules
Richmond regulates smoke shops, hookah lounges, and vape retailers through Chapter 44 zoning and Chapter 6 business licensing. Operators near VCU and the University of Richmond face concentration limits and signage restrictions.
Richmond Smoke Shop Zoning
Some RestrictionsSecondhand Dealers
Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6 requires secondhand dealers, including pawnshops and resale stores, to obtain a city license, hold purchased items for police inspection, and report transactions to Richmond Police via the Leads Online system.