Tobacco Shop (Cigarette / Tobacco License)

Overview

This license is for a retail business selling or offering for sale of non-flavored tobacco products within the city. Tobacco products includes electronic delivery devices containing or delivering nicotine or lobelia, whether natural or synthetic, intended for human consumption. For code requirements see Chapter 324 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, for the complete definition of tobacco Products, see Section 324.03. For other requirements, general inquiries and information about the ‘Tobacco Shop’ license, please contact DSI at phone number 651-266-8989, or email DSI-Licensing@ci.stpaul.mn.us .

Licensing Requirements

The total number of Tobacco Shop licenses issued under this chapter will not exceed one hundred fifty (150).

No tobacco license may be issued to a person, firm, or corporation for any establishment located within one-half mile (2,640 feet) of another establishment possessing a tobacco license. Said one-half mile being calculated and computed as the distance measured from the property line of the premises or building proposed as the location for the tobacco license to the property line of any other tobacco license.

• Class R License Application.pdf (402.47 KB)

• Signed Lease or proof of ownership

• Floor plan

• Secretary of State – showing Status is Active and in Good Standing

• Business Plan Addendum 2022 (663.39 KB)

•  

• Minnesota Tax Identification Number

• Required fee

Inspection Requirements

Your application will be administratively reviewed by DSI Licensing and Zoning. You will be informed of any required inspections. The application must satisfy all regulatory requirements prior to issuance.

Licensed Tobacco Shop establishments are subject to inspections throughout the year for underage sales compliance, flavor and price compliance and other regulatory compliances.

Fees

The annual fee for a Tobacco Shop License is $488.00 per retail location or machine.

Expiration & Renewal

The Tobacco Shop License will expire one year from date of issuance and may be renewed annually.

Penalties: Sales to an Underage Buyer and Display, possession or sale of flavor tobacco products, chapter 324.10 section (b) of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.

Presumptive penalties for licensees for violations. Adverse penalties for licensees for violations or convictions shall be presumed as follows:

Per Section 324.01(d) of the Legislative Code

No license may be issued pursuant to this chapter for a location or place of sale if a tobacco license previously issued for that location or place of sale has been revoked for any reason other than nonpayment of license fees within the past five (5) years.