The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI) reminds all tobacco dealers that according to the Tobacco Law, their annual applications for registration renewals must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday, 1 November 2016.

Applications submitted between 2 November and 31 December will attract a late charge fee that is 50% higher than the regular renewal rate. Applications submitted between 1 January and 31 January will incur a late fee of 100% of the regular renewal rate.

Any dealer who does not apply for a renewal before 31 January must cease operations for one year. Following that year, in order to resume tobacco sales, he or she must submit an application for a completely new grant, rather than a renewal.

Annual registration renewal fees are CI$500 for a retailer; CI$750 for a cigar bar; and CI$5,000 for a wholesale distributor.

Renewal application forms are available on www.dci.gov.ky, and at the Business Licensing Counter located on the first floor of the Government Administration Building.

All applications must be submitted along with either a current trade and business licence certificate or a valid liquor licence certificate; and written notification of changes made since the last registration, such as the dealer's contact details, business location, ownership, and trade of products information.

For persons in the Sister Islands, applications must be submitted to DCI Senior Licensing Officer Lolita Bodden-Arch, in the Bodden and Bodden building on Cayman Brac.

For persons who want to become first-time tobacco dealers, documentation for new tobacco licence grants can be submitted at any point during a given calendar year.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.