Retail Tobacco Licensing & Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Division of Public Health regulate tobacco and ephedrine products?
What does the tobacco licensing and inspection program do?
What are the license fees?
How often are inspections performed and what do they include?

Why does the Division of Public Health regulate tobacco and ephedrine products?
On January 21, 1997, The St. Charles County Council approved Ordinance # 97-3 relating to the Sale and Distribution of Tobacco and Ephedrine Products to Minors. The ordinance prohibits the sale of tobacco in any of its forms, cigarette papers, and ephedrine products to any person under the age of 18

What does the tobacco licensing and inspection program do?
We license and inspect all retail tobacco sellers in areas of unincorporated St. Charles County. Penalties for violation range from warning letters to suspension and, ultimately, revocation of license. At least annual inspections are required and a number of them must use teenagers to determine whether or not a licensed facility will sell to a minor. (Municipalities within the county may be governed by their own regulations. Please contact your city hall for more information.)

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What are the license fees?
The tobacco license period extends from July 1st through June 30th. Annual license fees are $125.00 for retailers whose gross annual sales are $50,000 or more; and $20.00 for those whose gross annual sales are less than $50,000. Businesses that provide tobacco vending machines on their premises are required to pay a fee of $25.00 per machine. You may download a license application, or contact our office to receive it by mail.

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How often are inspections performed and what do they include?
Inspections are conducted at least annually to determine whether the retailer is observing regulations for display and sale of tobacco and ephedrine products. Tobacco displays must include a conspicuous warning sign, which states that "It is a violation of State Law for cigarettes or other tobacco products to be sold to any person under the age of eighteen". The sign must also depict a pack of cigarettes at least two inches high which is defaced by a red diagonal and surrounded red circle and the words, "Under 18":

Inspections also monitor the display and sale of ephedrine products to minors. Ephedrine products cannot be displayed for sale in areas that are accessible to the public and must be obtained through an employee of the establishment.

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