License to Kill? Tobacco Retailer Licensing as an Effective Enforcement Tool is a law synopsis written by Ian McLaughlin, Senior Staff Attorney.  It examines ways in which state and local officials can use licensure to enforce tobacco tax and point-of-sale laws, as well as control the location and concentration of tobacco retailers. This law synopsis provides overviews of innovative local tobacco retailer programs in California, New York, and Massachusetts, and describes creative ways in which licensing can be used to impose restrictions on the sale and promotion of tobacco products.

For California communities interested in requiring a local tobacco retailer license, download PHLP’s Model Licensing Ordinance. This model ordinance helps California cities and counties that wish to require a local tobacco retailer license as a way to ensure compliance with local business standards, to reduce youth access to tobacco, and to limit the negative public health effects associated with tobacco use.