New tobacco license required for businesses

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Starting Oct. 1, any business that wishes to sell tobacco products in Virginia will be required to purchase a new license.

The Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority said more than 3,000 businesses applied in September alone, leading to backups in the process.

Businesses that applied before October will receive a letter of authorization while their application is being processed. Any outstanding documents will need to be sent in by Oct. 21.

Without the license, sellers could face a misdemeanor charge.

The license applies to products that include anything with nicotine, vapes and accessories such as smoking pipes.

Stores will also have to give employees certain training. That includes understanding the penalties of unlawful sales and being trained on checking identification.

29 News reached out to the Virginia ABC Authority as well as several tobacco stores but was not able to get an interview.

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