Did you know that 80% of adults who smoke started before they were 21? Not only that, it is against the law to sell tobacco or tobacco products to any person under the age of 21.  Retail tobacco sellers have a  responsibility to ensure they are not selling tobacco to minors.

To ensure tobacco sellers in Chicago are compliant with underage tobacco sale laws, the city Departments of Public Health and Business Affairs and Consumer Protection conduct inspections at retail businesses selling tobacco.  In addition, retailers are inspected to ensure they are not selling illegal tobacco products and have the proper City of Chicago tax stamp affixed.

If a business sells tobacco or tobacco products to a minor under the age of 21, they will be legally responsible for a civil penalty of $1,000 for the first infraction; $2,000 for the second and subsequent infractions within two years; and the business operator’s tobacco license will be revoked for the third infraction within two years. 

To file a complaint against a business for selling tobacco to a minor call 311 or file an online complaint here.

For more information about the program visit the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection online or call 312.74GOBIZ.