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Any business that does retail sales of tobacco, nicotine and vaping products in Multnomah County is required to get a license. This applies to any business that sells these products, including:
- Convenience stores
- Bars
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Music venues
Mobile sales of tobacco are prohibited. Violations of any tobacco retail law (federal, state or local) will impact your license and result in fines, penalties or suspension.
In 2021, Oregon passed a law that requires all tobacco retailers to get a license. If your business is in Multnomah County, you are required to apply for the license from us. You do not need to get a second license from the state.
This license was created to increase retailer knowledge and compliance of laws regulating the sale of tobacco and nicotine products. It has helped to reduce youth access and nicotine addiction in communities across the U.S.
Requirements
- You must display the license where customers and staff can easily see it.
- If your business has multiple locations, you must get a license for each one.
- The license may not be transferred to someone else (such as to a new owner when you sell your business) or to a different location.
More about these and other requirements:
Chapter 21: Health (774.99 KB)Multnomah County Tobacco Retail License § 21.560
Tobacco Retail License Rules (81.36 KB)
Get a License
Submit an application with your license fee payment. You must submit an application for each business location that you operate.
You can mail us the application, or deliver in-person to our temporary address:
Environmental Health Services
Tobacco Retail License
919 NE 19th Ave, Suite 170N
Portland OR 97232 (MAP)
You will receive a response within 10 business days after we receive your application. Each licensed tobacco retailer will be subject to at least one unannounced site visit each year.
If you have questions and wish to speak with someone in a language other than English, please call us at 503-988-4163.
Renew
Each license is good for one year and must be renewed annually. The renewal date will be printed on the license. We will also inform you when it's time to renew at least 30 days before it expires.
Renew your license by sending us a completed application and license fee.
Application & Renewal Forms
Tobacco Retail License Application (161.54 KB)
Tobacco Retail License Application - Español (Spanish) (168.32 KB)
Tobacco Retail License Application - Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) (177.07 KB)
Tobacco Retail License Application- 中文 (Chinese) (571.05 KB)
Tobacco Retail License Application -русский язык (Russian) (175.59 KB)
Tobacco Retail License Application - 한국어 (Korean) (241.72 KB)
Tobacco Retail License Application - Af-Soomaali (Somali) (168.87 KB)
Fee
$683 per license
Inspections
Each licensed tobacco retailer will receive 2 inspections from us every year:
A routine inspection to check that you’re following the license rules. The inspector will introduce themselves, and can answer your questions to help you follow the laws and rules. This inspection can also be done virtually with Google Meet (a free app). Arrange a virtual inspection for your store»
An unannounced visit from a Youth Inspector who attempts to purchase tobacco. (Minimum sales age inspection.) Selling tobacco to a youth is a critical violation that will lead to serious penalties.
You are required to let inspectors conduct their inspection, or you may face penalties and could have your license suspended or revoked.
Penalties
If an inspector finds you out of compliance with the county’s tobacco retail ordinance, or any state or federal tobacco retail law, you will be subject to fines, penalties or suspension.
- 1st violation: $500 fine and mandatory training
- 2nd violation within 60 months: $500 fine and 30-day license suspension
- 3rd violation within 60 months: $750 fine and 90-day license suspension
- 4th violation within 60 months: $1,000 fine and license revocation for 2 years
Fees and Penalties (212.34 KB)
Education & Training
You are responsible for making sure your employees follow all tobacco regulations. We offer both self-paced and presenter-led training sessions that you can use to train your staff.
If you receive a penalty for a violation, you must complete a training course and pass the online quiz within 90 days of your penalty notice. You can attend the next scheduled session or take the self-paced training.
Training Webinars
- July 17, 10:30am - 12pm
- October 21, 10:30am-12pm
By phone: 1-916-750-1296 | PIN: 137 061 764#
Self-Paced Training
- Step 1 - Read the Tobacco Retail License Training Manual (1.8 MB)
- Step 2 - Tobacco Retail License Quiz
- Step 3 - Training Evaluation
If you pass, we will mail you your quiz results and certificate within 5 business days. We will tell you if you need to take the quiz again.
Other Languages
담배 소매 허가 교육 (Korean training manual) (2.39 MB)
담배 소매 허가 시험 (Korean quiz)
Questions?
Helpful Resources
- FDA Retailer Education
- How to Read an Oregon ID sign (PDF) | In other languages
- Oregon Retail Sales Regulations
- State Required Signage (PDF)
Data & Reports
Tobacco Retail License Case Study (565.17 KB)
Contact Us
Tobacco Control & Prevention Program
919 NE 19th Ave, Suite 170N *(temporary address through summer)
Portland, OR 97232 (MAP)
503-988-4163
hlth.tobacco.prevention@multco.us
