Columbia Tobacco retailer license required; term; renewal ordinance (§ 11-311)
Chapter 11: Health and Sanitation · Article X. Sale of Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine Products and Vapor
In short: Anyone selling tobacco in Columbia needs a separate license for each location, and a valid city business license comes first. Licenses expire each June 30 and must be renewed at least 30 days earlier; a late applicant must submit a signed affidavit that no tobacco products were sold after expiration and that all fines are paid.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Tobacco retailer license required. It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct business as a tobacco retailer or engage in tobacco retailing without first having obtained a license therefor as required by this article.
(b) Multiple places of business. Any person conducting business as a tobacco retailer or engaging in tobacco retailing at more than one location in the city shall obtain a separate, distinct tobacco retailer license for each individual location.
(c) Business license required. A valid business license issued pursuant to chapter 13, article II of this code shall be a condition precedent to the issuance of a license under this article.
(d) Term. Any license, or renewal thereof, issued hereunder shall be effective as of the date of its issuance and shall expire the next June thirtieth.
(e) Renewal of license. The term of a renewed tobacco retailer license is one (1) year, commencing on July 1; provided however, if the business services administrator determines that there is good reason not to issue a license for the full one (1) year period, the business services administrator may issue a license for
a shorter period of time. Each tobacco retailer shall apply for the renewal a tobacco retailer license no later than thirty (30) days prior to expiration of the prior license.
(f) Expiration of license. A tobacco retailer license that is not timely renewed shall expire at the end of its term. To apply for reinstatement of a license not timely renewed, the person must:
(1) Submit the application renewal form; and
(2) Submit a signed affidavit affirming that the applicant:
(i) Has not sold and will not sell any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, vapor product or tobacco product paraphernalia after the license expiration date and before the license is renewed; and
(ii) Has paid all outstanding fines and resolved any undisputed outstanding violations of these regulations before seeking renewal of the license.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 11-311
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.