Bakersfield's Tobacco & Vaping: The Rules That Matter

If you live in Bakersfield or are thinking about moving there, tobacco & vaping are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bakersfield has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tobacco & vaping, and some of them might surprise you.

Flavored Tobacco Bans

California Senate Bill 793, upheld by voters as Proposition 31 in 2022, bans the sale of most flavored tobacco products in Bakersfield. The ban covers menthol cigarettes, flavored vape pods, and flavored chew with limited exceptions.

Key details: Statute: SB 793 Proposition 31. Effective: December 2022. Exempt: Premium cigars and shisha. First offense fine: 250 dollars.

Selling banned flavored tobacco products can lead to retailer license suspension, civil penalties of 250 dollars for first offense escalating to 500 dollars per subsequent violation, and possible criminal charges for repeat offenders.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Bakersfield actively enforces its flavored tobacco bans requirements.

Tobacco Age Restrictions

California raised the legal tobacco purchase age to 21 ahead of the federal change, and Bakersfield retailers must verify ID for any tobacco or nicotine vapor sale to anyone appearing under 30. Active duty military exemptions were eliminated.

Key details: Minimum age: 21 years. ID verify: Customers under 30. Statute: BPC 22963. First fine: 400 dollars.

First offense fines start at 400 dollars, rising to 6000 dollars for repeat violations, plus license suspension or revocation by CDTFA and possible referral for misdemeanor charges if the violations are willful.

Compared to other cities, Bakersfield takes a harder line on tobacco age restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Bakersfield is tougher than many cities when it comes to tobacco & vaping. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Bakersfield, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Bakersfield can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.