Columbia Application procedure ordinance (§ 11-312)
Chapter 11: Health and Sanitation · Article X. Sale of Tobacco, Alternative Nicotine Products and Vapor
In short: Anyone seeking a tobacco retailer license must apply in writing and under oath to the business services administrator, listing owners or officers (corporate stockholders with 10 percent or more) and the on-site manager, plus any violations in the past five years. Changes must be reported in writing within 30 days.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Submittal. Any person desiring a license under this article shall apply to the business services administrator in writing and under oath. Such application shall be submitted in the name of the person and signed by an authorized agent thereof. If the application is made on behalf of a partnership, the names and addresses of all partners together with the name and address of the managing officer or employee who is to be actively engaged in the control and management of the premises for which the license is sought shall be included on the application. If the application is made on behalf of a corporation, the names and addresses of the officers and directors and stockholders who hold ten (10) percent or more of the capital stock together with the name and address of the managing officer or employee who is to be actively engaged in the control and management of the premises for which the license is sought shall be included on the application. If the application is made on behalf of a limited liability company, the names and addresses of the members and managers together with the name and address of the managing officer or employee who is to be actively engaged in the control and management of the premises for which the license is sought shall be included on the application.
(b) Contents. An application for a tobacco retailer license shall be made upon a form provided by the business services administrator and shall require the disclosure of all information necessary to comply with the requirements of this article, including whether or not the applicant or any agent of the applicant has been found to have violated any of the requirements of this article within the previous five (5) years, together with any other information which the business services administrator shall find to be reasonably necessary to the fair administration of this article.
(c) Changes and corrections. An applicant or previously licensed tobacco retailer shall inform the business services administrator, in writing, of any change in the information submitted on an application for a tobacco retailer license within thirty (30) days of such change. Such requirement shall expressly apply to the name and address of the managing officer or employee who is to be actively engaged in the control and management of the premises for which the license is issued.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 11-312
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.