Do these new laws apply to my business?

Yes, if you sell retail tobacco products to the public. This covers grocery stores, tobacco and vape shops, kiosks, convenience stores, gas stations, bars, and restaurants — essentially any establishment where these products are available for sale. It also includes businesses that make cigarette delivery sales.

**Exception:** If your business sells *only* cigars and pipe tobacco, you do not need this permit.

What products are covered?

The permit is required to sell:

• Cigarettes, heated tobacco products, chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus
• Any product containing or derived from tobacco, or containing nicotine, intended for human consumption (smoked, heated, chewed, dissolved, inhaled, absorbed, or ingested)
• Electronic smoking devices and any substances vaporized by them — **whether or not they contain nicotine**
• Liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products
• Components, parts, and accessories, including blunt/hemp wraps and glass pipes
• Cigars and pipe tobacco are **not** covered.

Key Deadline

A permit will be required to sell retail tobacco products beginning October 1, 2026.** Selling without a permit after that date may result in misdemeanor criminal charges.

Applications are expected to open in **July 2026**. Any application approved before October 1, 2026 takes effect October 1, 2026 and expires September 30, 2027.

What does it cost?

Complete the online form below for a detailed cost.

A permit for every location

If you own multiple businesses that sell retail tobacco products, you must apply for a **separate permit for each location.**

How long does it take?

Virginia ABC expects to issue permits within **20–30 days** of receiving a complete online application. Paper applications will take longer, so applying online is strongly encouraged.

What this permit does *not* cover?

• It does **not** authorize the sale of cannabis or marijuana products — those licenses come from the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
• It is **not** required for businesses that only manufacture or wholesale these products (though other licenses may apply).