A Philadelphia ordinance requires all tobacco retailers in Philadelphia to obtain a permit to sell all forms of tobacco and other products containing nicotine. This permit enables us to monitor tobacco retailers and assure that they are complying with the applicable laws.
While the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue requires a license for the sale of cigarettes, our permit covers all forms of tobacco, including: cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah, snuff, snus, chewing tobacco, dip tobacco, bidis and any other preparations of tobacco. The permit also covers electronic smoking devices and unapproved nicotine delivery products.
- The permit is effective January 1st and expires December 31st of each year.
- The fee for the permit is $50 and the annual renewal fee is $50.
- A permit cannot be transferred from one person to another or from one location to another.
- A tobacco retailer shall prominently display the permit at each location where the person engages in tobacco retailing.
- A new permit is required whenever a tobacco retailer changes locations or transfers ownership.
If you fail to have a permit or apply for a current one, you will be fined $75 per violation; each day that a tobacco retailer engages in tobacco retailing is considered a separate violation.