Before selling tobacco and nicotine delivery products, you need a Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) Tobacco/Nicotine Sales Permit.
Review regulations
Review the Clean Air Works Workplace and Youth Access regulations.
Applications and License
Fill out the necessary applications paperwork below
Retail Establishment Owner/Operator Statement
Apply for Massachusetts Department of Revenue license(s).
Copies of the license(s) must be submitted with your permit application. There are three types of DOR licenses available based on what a retailer plans to sell.
- Retail License for Sale of Cigarettes
- Retail License for Sale of Cigars and Smoking Tobacco
- Retail License for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Submit the permit application and supporting documents and fees
Obtain proof of ownership and submit copies of at least one of the following documents (additional information may be requested):
- Proof of purchase of retail location
- Lease agreement
- Purchasing sales agreement
Submit all documents and the permit fee of $500 in the form of a check or money order payable to the Boston Public Health Commission.
New permit applications should be dropped off at the below address to expedite processing.
Boston Tobacco Prevention and Control Program1010 Massachusettes Ave. 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Attn: Tobacco/Revenue
Inspection
An in-store inspection must be scheduled and conducted prior to the issuance of a new permit.
Keep in Mind
Permits are non-transferable. If a business is moved to a different location or sold, the Tobacco/Nicotine Sales permit cannot be transferred. Any changes in business status should be reported to the Boston Tobacco Prevention Control Program.
Review Regulations
Review the regulations and state laws regarding sales of tobacco and nicotine.
Complete application and documents
Complete the following paperwork
Please carefully and fully complete the permit application. Permit applications will be returned to retailers if the application is not complete. Returned applications will not include the non-refundable permit fee.
When resubmitting an application that has been returned you DO NOT need to include another permit fee.
Submit paperwork and supporting documents
All outstanding citations must be paid in full prior to renewing your permit. Applications will be returned to retailers who have unpaid citations without the non-refundable permit fee.
Along with your permit application please submit copies of the business' Massachusettes Department of Revenue Retail license(s). There are three types of DOR licenses available:
- Retailer License for Sale of Cigarettes
- Retailer License for Sale of Cigars and Smoking Tobacco
- Retailer License for Sale of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems.
All documents and applications must be submitted along with a permit fee of $300 in the form of a check or money order payable to Boston Public Health Commission. Complete application, documents, and fee can be mailed to:
Boston Tobacco Prevention and Control Program1010 Massachusetts Ave. 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02118
ATTN: Tobacco/Revenue
The Tobacco Prevention and Control Program grants permit renewals at their discretion. Applications may be denied due to previous violations of the Youth Access Regulation or other applicable laws.
Keep in Mind
Permits are non-transferable. If a business is moved to a different location or sold, the Tobacco/Nicotine Sales permit cannot be transferred. Any changes in business status should be reported to the Boston Tobacco Prevention Control Program.
Additional Items Needed for Selling Tobacco
Employee Agreement: All employees (or other individuals) who sell tobacco or nicotine delivery products must have a signed Employee Agreement Form on file at the business location.
Signage: All retailers with a City of Boston Sales Permit for Location and Sales of Tobacco Products must have the proper signage posted in their establishment in a clear and conspicuous manner at all times.
If you have any questions or need language translation assistance please contact the Boston Tobacco Prevention Program.
Required Store Signage:
- No Smoking
- Report a Violation
- Nicotine Delivery
- Quit Smoking
- Adult Only Tobacco Retail Store (specific to designated adult-only stores)
- Additional Commonwealth of Massachusetts signage
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Have questions? Contact: