Tobacco Retail Sales License

Retail tobacco sales are governed* by Olmsted County’s Olmsted County Tobacco Sales and Youth Access Ordinance. Resolution No. 98-23.


This ordinance establishes:

  • No retail establishment shall sell or offer to sell any tobacco product without first having obtained a license to do so from the County.
  • Determines fees for licensure and services
  • Determines the basis for eligibility and denial of license
  • Determines limitations on sales and merchandising of tobacco products
  • Determines responsibility for the sale of tobacco products
  • Sales-compliance checks and administrative penalties

*Except where a license has been obtained from a city or local government agency.

If you have a retail establishment and want to sell tobacco products, you must have a license from Olmsted County.

1. Download and read the Tobacco Sales and Youth Access Ordinance #15-01. 

This document explains the definitions, regulations, rules, and requirements that your establishment must meet to qualify for a tobacco license.

2. Download and complete the application

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3. Mail or deliver the application and fees

Mail or deliver the completed form and all application fees to:

Olmsted County Public Health Services
Attn: Tobacco License
2100 Campus Drive SE
Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55904

We accept check, money order, or certified check payable to Olmsted County Public Health Services.

4. Schedule a pre-opening discussion

Prior to issuing a license, OCPHS will review the layout of your establishment to assure product display requirements and

are met.