People who distribute tobacco-related products in the state must get a permit for each distribution location, pay the listed fees, and renew the permit annually. Vending machines for these products are prohibited, and permit transfers need board approval.
(a) Any person who distributes tobacco, tobacco products, or non-vapor based alternative nicotine products within this state shall first obtain a permit from the board for each location of distribution. Upon application, there shall be a one-time, nonrefundable filing fee of fifty dollars ($50), in addition to a permit fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150), which shall be renewed annually. The one-time filing fee shall apply only to new applicants for a permit on or after June 1, 2025. (b) No person may maintain a tobacco, tobacco product, electronic nicotine delivery system, e-liquid, or alternative nicotine product vending machine. (c) A permit shall be valid only for the location specified in the permit application. (d) If a location for which a permit has been obtained is sold or transferred, the permit, after submission of an application to transfer and a transfer fee of fifty dollars ($50), may be transferred to the person obtaining control of the location, subject to approval by the board. The transferee shall meet all requirements established by the rule of the board required for a permit holder. The permitted transfer shall be effective for the duration of the license year, and the transferee shall renew the permit annually as provided in subsection (a). If a permitted business moves to a new location within the same governing jurisdiction, the business owner may apply for a location transfer as provided in this subsection. No more than one of each transfer type shall occur during a permit year. (e) If feasible, the board, by rule, may adopt procedures for the issuance and renewal of permits which combine tobacco permit procedures with the application and licensing procedures for alcoholic beverages. (f) All monies collected under this section shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the Vaping Licensing and Enforcement Fund under Section 28-11-10.