On Friday, the Richmond Police Department, in partnership with Code Enforcement, conducted two tobacco enforcement operations at local businesses operating without the required licenses to sell tobacco products.
As a result, thousands of dollars worth of illegal tobacco products were seized, along with a large quantity of nitrous oxide canisters (“whippets”)—a product commonly misused, particularly among teenagers.
Selling tobacco products without the proper licensing is a violation of the law and undermines regulations designed to protect public health and ensure responsible business practices. If convicted, those responsible may face significant fines and penalties.
The Richmond Police Department remains committed to working alongside our partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable businesses that operate outside the law.
- Feb 25, 2026 – Richmond to Cap Tobacco Retailer Licenses at 50: Changes to the “Tobacco Retailer License” will establish a cap of 50 licenses that can be issued at any one time to protect against overconcentration, and to add operational prerequisites and enhanced regulations for enforcement of violations (including retailing without a tobacco retail license, sales to minors, and sales of illegal and hazardous substances), which shall aim to protect vulnerable demographics, streamline compliance standards, and enhance available enforcement tools.
