An investigation conducted by BACP is an on-site, unannounced visit to a business made by an investigator. During the visit, the investigator checks to ensure that the business is in compliance with all tobacco-related ordinances.

Businesses that are visited by a BACP investigator are required to cooperate with that investigator. Investigators have the right of entry at any time to all places of business for which a license may be required, including storage rooms, drawers, etc.  

Any person impeding or obstructing a BACP investigator may be considered to be interfering with an investigator in the enforcement/performance of duties.

Things to remember:

• Do not interfere with a BACP investigator during an investigation.
• Do not sell single cigarettes. Tobacco may be sold only in its original factory-wrapped package.
• Do not sell bidi cigarettes or scented/flavored wrapping paper or leaf that is, or is held out to be, impregnated or scented with, or aged or dipped in, alcoholic liquor, chocolate, any fruit flavoring, vanilla, or honey in any combination.
• Do not deliberately conceal illegal tobacco products.
• Allow examination of property and records without hindrance during an inspection.
• Provide a person to open any locked safe and/or door within 30 minutes of a request to do so from a BACP inspector.
• Cease sales of tobacco products during an inspection.

Violation of any of the above may result in revocation of the tobacco license. Fines range from $100 to $10,000 per occurrence.