Antioch, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- AMC §§ 6-8.16 through 6-8.20
- License display
- Must be posted prominently at point of sale
- Transferability
- Non-transferable; new address needs new license
- First-violation fine
- Up to $100, rising to $500 by third
- Suspension range
- 60 days to 1 year, § 6-8.19(B)
Summary
Every business selling tobacco or e-cigarette products in Antioch must hold a tobacco retailer's license under AMC § 6-8.16, applied for by name and displayed prominently at the point of sale. The license is non-transferable and can be suspended for up to a year on repeat violations.
An application for a tobacco retailer's license shall be submitted in the name of the retailer who, following a finding of violation, proposes to conduct retail tobacco sales on the business premises and shall be signed by such retailer or its authorized agent. All applications shall be submitted on a form supplied by the city and shall contain the following information: (A) The names, addresses and telephone number of the applicant; (B) The business name, address and telephone number of each establishment where tobacco is to be sold; and (C) Such other information as the City Manager or his designee determines is necessary for implementation of this ordinance.
Full Breakdown
16 requires an application for a tobacco retailer's license to be submitted in the retailer's name on a city-supplied form, listing the applicant's name, address and phone number, the business name, address and phone number of each location selling tobacco, and any other information the City Manager's designee requires. 17 directs the Director or designee to issue the license, which the licensee must display prominently at the point of sale. 18 the license is non-transferable to a new owner, though a location change carries the license to the new address while keeping the original expiration date.
14(B) folds e-cigarettes and vaping devices sold for use with tobacco into the definition of tobacco products covered by this chapter, a store selling vape hardware or e-liquid needs the same license as one selling cigarettes. 19 after notice and a hearing: up to 60 days for a first violation, 120 days for a second within 12 months, and up to a year for a third, with suspension decisions appealable to the Board of Administrative Appeals. 20, and Contra Costa Health Services will not issue or renew a license while fines remain unpaid.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid tobacco retailer's license draws an administrative fine of up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for a third or later, under § 6-8.20(A), served by certified mail with a right to a hearing before the City Manager within ten days. A licensee found in violation of any tobacco sales law can have its license suspended for 60 to 365 days under § 6-8.19, appealable to the Board of Administrative Appeals; unpaid fines block any new license issuance by Contra Costa Health Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vape shops need a tobacco retailer's license in Antioch?
Can I transfer my Antioch tobacco license to a new owner?
How long can the city suspend a tobacco license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Antioch
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Tobacco Retail License in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle tobacco retail license.