Tobacco and Smoking Products Licensing & Inspection
In 2025, the City of New Haven passed a new law that requires all tobacco retailers to have a local health department-issued “Tobacco and Smoking Products Retail License” and to be inspected every year to stay open. These requirements are in place to help prevent underage access to tobacco, nicotine, and vape products, and to protect the health of all New Haven residents.
This law applies to all businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, or vape products, including dedicated smoke shops, convenience stores, and any retailer offering these items in New Haven.
Licenses
All tobacco and smoking products retailers must complete an application for a license online.
If you need assistance with your application, contact us at 203-946-8174 or send us an email.
Signage
All tobacco and smoking products retailers must clearly post signs with letters at least one inch high in English, Spanish, and other languages as needed that contain the following messages:
- “The sale of tobacco, smoking, or nicotine products to persons under 21 is prohibited.”
- “This premises is not authorized to sell cannabis products.”
Copies of signs you can use in your business are available in the Resources section below.
Resources for Tobacco and Smoking Products Retailers
Print copies of signage required to be posted in businesses about the legal penalties of selling tobacco and e-cigarettes/vapor products to people under age 21
Learn what types of advertisements are and are not acceptable to display
Find tip sheets to help employees follow the law
View the City of New Haven 2025 ordinance for tobacco and smoking products retail licensing and inspection
View a sample of the Tobacco and Smoking Products Retail License Inspection Form
View State of Connecticut and federal laws on tobacco and smoking products
Review the State of Connecticut tobacco laws
To report a concern regarding a tobacco and smoking products retailer, the public may contact the New Haven Health Department at 203-946-8174 or the Environmental Health division at environmentalhealth@newhavenct.onmicrosoft.com.