Chicago was an early Tobacco 21 city (2016), now reinforced by federal T21 and Illinois state law (effective 2019). Chicago Municipal Code §4-64 requires a city Tobacco Dealer License and bans the sale of flavored tobacco within 500 feet of schools. Liquid nicotine, vapes, hookah, and all tobacco products require buyer to be 21+.
Chicago raised its tobacco purchase age to 21 in July 2016 ahead of federal action. Illinois Public Act 101-2 (effective July 1, 2019) made age 21 the state standard, and the federal Tobacco 21 law (Dec 2019) provides the nationwide floor. Chicago Municipal Code §4-64 requires every retailer to hold a city Tobacco Dealer License in addition to the state license, and prohibits sales of tobacco products, vape devices, e-liquids, hookah, and any nicotine product to anyone under 21. Photo ID must be checked for any buyer who appears under 27. MCC §4-64-180 bans the sale of flavored tobacco products (including menthol, mint, fruit, and candy flavors) within 500 feet of any school. Chicago also prohibits the sale of single cigarettes ("loosies") and caps mobile/temporary tobacco sales. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection enforces compliance through underage decoy inspections.
First retailer violation: $1,000–$5,000 fine; second within 24 months: $2,000–$5,000 plus 7-day license suspension; third: license revocation. Selling flavored tobacco near schools carries separate fines up to $1,000 per item. Selling single cigarettes is fined $500–$1,000. Furnishing tobacco to a minor under 21 is a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois with fines up to $2,500.
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