Vendors, Permit Applications, Permits

Obtain current tobacco/vape vendor lists from the board of health(s).  This list should be compared to the lists used by the FDA and the DOR:

• www.mass.gov/info-details/dor-cigarette-tobacco-and-vaping-excise-tax

Create a database of vendors and their pertinent information frequently found on their permit applications. If there is information not contained in the permit application that would be helpful in the future, make a note to collect that information on the next visit to the establishment. Email addresses of the owner/manager have become increasingly helpful and important to collect.

Determine when each municipality permit renewal process takes place. Consider providing each municipality with a different color of paper for the permit, which could be switched on an annual basis. Like a car’s annual inspection sticker, this will allow you to quickly identify the tobacco sales permit in the establishment, as they receive a number of permits annually from state and municipal government. The mailing of permit applications is also a good opportunity to send out any recent/relevant merchant education. You may want to consider hand delivering some of the applications and/or permits and use this opportunity to educate the retailer and or do an inspection. Prior to applications being sent out, provide the board of health with any recommended changes to the application. See a sample template application below.