A local licensing ordinance can be used to encourage tobacco retailers to comply with all laws that apply to tobacco sales.

A licensing ordinance not only requires retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco products but also provides meaningful penalties if the merchant sells tobacco to minors or violates any other law related tocompliance with all existing laws that apply to tobacco sales. For retailers who continue to violate these laws, licensing offers a means to eliminate them from the tobacco product marketplace.

The licensing ordinance checklist can help your community consider the range of policy choices when designing a local tobacco retail licensing ordinance.

You can also download TALC's model Licensing Ordinance.