• About
    • Board of Directors
    • Newsletter
    • Industry Alliances
    • Blog
  • Join the OCSA
    • How to Join
    • Retail Members
    • Vendor Partners
  • 50/50 Lottery
  • Member Benefits
    • Lottery
    • Moneris
  • Training Certifications
  • Contact Us
Menu
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Newsletter
    • Industry Alliances
    • Blog
  • Join the OCSA
    • How to Join
    • Retail Members
    • Vendor Partners
  • 50/50 Lottery
  • Member Benefits
    • Lottery
    • Moneris
  • Training Certifications
  • Contact Us
JOIN NOW

How to Get a Tobacco License in Ontario: A Simple Guide for Convenience Stores

OCSA Tobacco license guide - provincial municipal

If you sell tobacco in your convenience store in Ontario, you need two important licenses: a provincial Tobacco Retail Dealer’s Permit (TRDP) and a municipal business license. This guide explains both—so you can stay legal and avoid fines.

1. Provincial License: Tobacco Retail Dealer’s Permit (TRDP)

This is your main license to sell tobacco in Ontario.

  • Issued by: Ontario Ministry of Finance

  • Required under: Tobacco Tax Act (TTA)

  • Cost: Free to apply and renew

  • In effect since: July 1, 2010

You cannot legally sell tobacco products in Ontario without this tobacco retail permit, even if you have a municipal license.

Ontario tobacco permit application – Click Here

2. Municipal Licensing: Local Tobacco Rules

Every city or town in Ontario has its own rules about tobacco sales. This is why you need a municipal business license too.

  • Issued by: Your local municipality

  • Might include: A “tobacco vendor permit” or a tobacco endorsement on your business license

  • Rules can include: Zoning, local fees, inspection requirements

Important: Municipal laws can be stricter than provincial ones. What’s legal in one town might not be legal in another.

3. Why You Need Both Licenses

Here’s why both are important for your tobacco sales:

  • The TRDP lets you sell tobacco anywhere in Ontario.

  • The municipal license makes sure you’re following local laws where your store is located.

If you skip one, you could be fined or lose your ability to sell tobacco products.

4. Tips to Stay Compliant

  • Apply for your TRDP before selling any tobacco.

  • Contact your local government to get your municipal tobacco license.

  • Check if your store location allows tobacco sales (zoning).

Keep all licenses current and posted where required.

 

Become a member of the OCSA – Click Here

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Robbery Prevention Tips for Retailers

Share Article:

Become an OCSA Member

*if you have more than one location, please contact our office at 904.845.9152 to discuss multiple store discounts.

Earlier Posts

OCSA Convenience Stores report on RTD - ready to drink alcohol

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Alcohol Industry Trends

Read More >
OCSA Red Stripe Official Beer of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival

How to Capitalize on Red Stripe Beer During the Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Read More >

Join Our
Newsletter

Get the latest updates on alcohol sales, member benefits, lottery, industry news and much more!

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: OCSA, 466 Speers Road, #3rd Floor, Oakville, ON, Ontario, L6K 3W9, CA, www.ontariocstores.ca. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

The OCSA represents 6,700 convenience store retailers in the province of Ontario. The not-for-profit association is active in advocacy, education and training for its members.

  • 466 Spears Road, 3rd floor, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6K3W9
  • info@conveniencestores.ca
  • 905.845.9152
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin

Privacy Policy

Become a Member

Take advantage of a growing range of benefits including networking and exclusive professional development opportunities, as well as discounts on products and services from our partners.

*if you have more than one store, please contact our office to learn more about multiple location discounts.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Powered by Sense of Agency.