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Tobacco Sales

Permits & Licensing

Public Health

Create an Account • Submit Applications • Manage & Print Permits

For information on all city permits, licenses and fees, visit the Permit/License Center.

We encourage you to submit your application ONLINE through our permit portal!

Before you can submit an application for a permit or license you must create an account. For your convenience, payments can be made via all major credit cards or ACH transfer.

Permit/License Types

  • Tobacco Permit

Please note the following:

  • Please note that paper copies of applications are no longer accepted. For anyone that does not have access to a computer or needs assistance, please visit our office at 25 Meade Street and we will gladly help you complete an application at one of our computers set up for public use.
  • A Tobacco Permit is required for the sale of tobacco products for the following establishments:
    • Adult-Only Retail Store
    • Convenience Store
    • Gas Station
    • Liquor Store
    • Private Club
    • Smoking Bar (Cigar, Hookah, Vape)
  • Tobacco Permit expires on December 31st annually!

Apply Now

Please see frequently asked questions below, and contact our office for additional information at 508-799-8531.

Have a Question?

Follow these steps to use the online tobacco permit Application and Payment System:

  1. Log on to https://worcesterma.portal.opengov.com.
  2. Click: "Sign Up."
  3. Click: "Sign up using Secure Portal."
  4. Create account with email address and password.
  5. Click: "Sign Up."
  6. Go to Public Health panel icon and then select "Tobacco Permit."
  7. Click: "Apply online."
  8. Continue to fill out all your information, clicking on NEXT to continue through the process.

Upon submission and review by Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH) staff, the system will notify you to submit your payment. Once your payment has been processed, you will be notified via email to log into the system and print your permit.

For new permit applicants, pre-opening inspections are mandatory after applications are submitted. Please schedule an appointment with the Tobacco Inspector at 508-799-8531 ext. 33180.

  1. Copy of both current Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) Tobacco Retailer Licenses: Sale of Cigarettes and Sale of Cigars and Smoking Tobacco. Retailer License for Sale of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems is required if you plan to sell electronic vape products. Go to DOR Cigarette and Tobacco Forms and Legal Documents | Mass.gov to access the DOR forms.
  2. For smoking bars (cigar/hookah, vape lounge ONLY): Copy of valid Massachusetts State Smoking Bar License in addition to the documents listed above.
  3. Signed Statement of Declaration.

  1. The Tobacco Permit Application Fee is $250. All checks are paid through online portal ONLY by electronic checks or using credit/debit card.
  2. For applications received after December 31, $50 late fee is applicable.

The City of Worcester Tobacco Permit expires each year on December 31 and needs to be renewed annually. State DOR retailer licenses require renewal every two years.

The Tobacco Inspector will conduct three periodic and unannounced inspections in a year.

Should your establishment discontinue selling tobacco products or close, WDPH must be notified in writing to Zach Dyer, Acting Director, 25 Meade Street, Office 200, Worcester, MA 01610.

Please visit DOR Cigarette and Tobacco Forms and Legal Documents | Mass.gov to access the DOR forms for the smoking bar permit.

MA DOR and City of Worcester permits are not transferrable between persons or addresses. A new permit application needs to be submitted for a change in owner or change in address.

In case of change of address, you will need to apply for a new tobacco permit application.

In this case, you are required to apply for two separate City of Worcester Tobacco Permits.

If you are an Adult-only Retail Tobacco Permit Holder and own/co-own/rent a liquor store or general retail store next door, each store requires a separate entrance and must be separated by a wall from the inside.

Please call 508-799-8531 or email health@worcesterma.gov to report any complaints related to smoking in the workplace.

Contact Information

Address

Public Health
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610

Contact

Phone: 508-799-8531
Fax: 508-799-8572
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Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.