Tobacco Licenses
On August 26, 2025, the Village Board of Trustees adopted Ordinance 25-24 amending Title 4 and Title 6 of the Morton Grove Municipal Code to add regulations related to tobacco sales and products within the Village. The approved revisions included the:
- Addition of Village Code regulations for businesses that sell tobacco, including licensing requirements;
- Establishment of minimum distances between license holders and requirements for inspections and applicant background checks; and
- Definition of THC and Kratom and addition of licensing requirements for establishments selling THC and Kratom products.
Ordinance 25-24 defines the following license types and tobacco-selling establishments:
- Class A – Accessory Tobacco Sales. Class A Tobacco licenses shall authorize the retail sales of tobacco and/or alternative nicotine products and tobacco-related products and/or THC products and/or Kratom products, however the sale of such products shall make up less than 50% of gross sales and shall be incidental to the retail establishment.
- Class B – Tobacco Store. Class B tobacco licenses shall authorize the operation of a retail tobacco and/or alternative nicotine products and/or THC products and/or Kratom products store wherein the sale of such products makes up 50% or more of gross sales and is the primary function of the retail establishment.
Ordinance 25-24 became effective January 1, 2026, to align with the start of the calendar year when new business compliance certificates are issued. The ordinance applies to all tobacco-selling establishments. It is unlawful to sell at retail, to give away, deliver or to keep with the intention of selling at retail, giving away or delivering tobacco products or alternative nicotine products within the Village without having first obtained a Class A or Class B tobacco license pursuant to the Morton Grove Municipal Code.
Background Check Requirements: Prior to the approval and issuance of a tobacco license, or upon the change of ownership or manager of the licensee, all persons having an interest of at least five percent (5%) of the licensee, all managers of the licensed premises, and such other persons as requested by the Village Administrator must submit to a background check including submitting their fingerprints to the Morton Grove Police Department. The licensee or applicant must pay the required background check fee, as determined by the Village Administrator. A license may be denied or revoked at the discretion of the Village Administrator based on background check findings.
Tobacco License as Personal Privilege: A tobacco license granted pursuant to Ordinance 25-24 is solely a personal privilege, and unless sooner revoked pursuant Chapter 4-6M of the Municipal Code or by federal or state law shall last for no more than one year; from January 1 (or later for an initial application) through December 31. A license shall not constitute property and may not be transferred. It shall not be used as collateral, nor be subject to voluntary or involuntary attachment, assignment, garnishment, or execution, encumbrance or hypothecation, nor shall it descend by the laws of testate or intestate devolution. Renewal of a license is a privilege and shall not be construed as a vested right which shall limit or prevent the decreasing number of licenses to be issued within the Village.
Posting Requirement: If approved, a tobacco license must be posted in a conspicuous place at the location for which the license is issued.
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