Columbia Duties of licensed tobacco retailer ordinance (§ 11-317)

In conducting business on the licensed premises, a licensee and the licensee's agents and employees shall comply with the standards of conduct set forth in this section. In addition to any other enforcement mechanism or penalty for violation of the standards set forth herein, the standards of conduct may be considered in determining whether a license under this article should be renewed, suspended or revoked.

(a) Lawful business operation. A tobacco retailer shall not violate any local, state or federal law applicable to the sale of tobacco products, tobacco product paraphernalia, alternative nicotine products or vapor products or tobacco retailing while conducting business as a tobacco retailer.

(b) Display of license. A tobacco retailer shall prominently display, in a publicly visible location, a physical copy of its license at each licensed location.

(c) Positive identification required. A tobacco retailer shall not sell or transfer tobacco products, tobacco product paraphernalia, alternative nicotine products or vapor products to any person who appears to be under the age of thirty (30) years without first examining the identification of the customer to confirm that the customer is at least the minimum age required to purchase tobacco products, tobacco product paraphernalia, alternative nicotine products or vapor products within the city. (d)

Cooperation with law enforcement. A tobacco retailer shall cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities during an investigation of an illegal or violent act committed on the premises.

(e) Display of advertising without a license. A tobacco retailer shall not display any advertising relating to tobacco products, tobacco product paraphernalia, alternative nicotine products or vapor products promoting the sale and distribution of such products that could lead a reasonable consumer to believe that such products may be obtained at that location without possessing a valid license to engage in business as a tobacco retailer at the time such advertising is displayed. For purposes of this section, the display of such advertising without a valid license authorizing the sale thereof shall be deemed "false and misleading advertising."

(f) Display of products without a license. A tobacco retailer shall not display any tobacco products, tobacco product paraphernalia, alternative nicotine products or vapor products in the public view without possessing a valid license to engage in business as a tobacco retailer at the time such products are displayed.

(g) Inspection. A tobacco retailer shall permit all reasonable inspections of the business and examination of the business records by the business services administrator necessary or incidental to ensure compliance with the licensing requirements set forth in this article.

(h) Cease operations. A tobacco retailer shall refrain from sale of tobacco products, tobacco product paraphernalia, alternative nicotine products or vapor products after expiration of the license and during any period in which the license is revoked or suspended.