Clear the Air

This license to sell tobacco products, issued in 1919, cost $10 ($118.92 in 2009 dollars) and a license was required in West Virginia to sell tobacco products.

Tobacco retailers today pay no license fee. The “license” they receive is bundled with their business license and simply requires checking a box that tobacco products are sold. Also, unlike beer and alcohol licenses, there are no legal provisions to suspend or revoke the license of a retailer which sells tobacco products to minors.

Any wonder we have one of highest youth smoking rates in nation?

Tags: tobacco control, West Virginia, youth access