New City Law Requires Smoke Shops, Stores To Obtain City Licenses, Adhere to Advertising, Sales Dictates

NEW HAVEN, CT — Thursday morning, city officials held a news briefing that explained the new city ordinance going into effect that requires all and other businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, smoking and vaping products to obtain city licenses and adhere to new advertising and sales practices that protect youth and public health.

As of Oct. 1, Wednesday, all retailers who sell tobacco and smoking products must obtain a “Tobacco and Smoking Products Retail License” from the New Haven Health Department. These retailers include dedicated smoke shops, convenience food stores, gas stations, wine and liquor shops, specialty tobacco retailers and supermarkets.

There are approximately 190 such retailers in the city.

Thursday, officials provided an overview of retailer requirements, announce how many retailers are in and out of compliance, and share next steps that will be taken to address non-compliant businesses including escalating fines, cease-and-desist notices, the potential removal of tobacco and smoking products from the premises, and the potential suspension or revocation of their license.

This law was passed alongside a second related zoning ordinance which dictates that new tobacco and smoking products retailers cannot open within 1,000 feet of any school, house of worship or public park, or within 3,000 feet of an existing retailer.

Both ordinances include provisions related to the way these products are advertised, stored and sold to minimize the risk of underaged youth illegally purchasing them.