Compton, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 7-23A
- Permit issuer
- Business and License Division
- Permit term
- One year
- Renewal deadline
- 30 days before expiration
- First violation suspension
- Up to 30 days
- Third violation
- Permanent revocation, 3-year ban
Summary
Compton requires every tobacco retailer, including electronic-cigarette and vape sellers, to hold a Tobacco Retailer's Permit under Municipal Code § 7-23A before offering any tobacco product for sale. The one-year permit is issued by the Business and License Division, is non-transferable, and can be suspended or revoked for violations of tobacco law.
§ 7-23A.2. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a tobacco retailer without first obtaining and maintaining a valid Tobacco Retailer's Permit pursuant to Subsection 7-23A.3 for each location at which that activity is to occur... e. No permit may issue to authorize tobacco retailing at a location that is licensed under state law to serve alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises... § 7-23A.4. b. ...The term of a Tobacco Retailer Permit is one year. Each tobacco retailer shall apply for the renewal of his or her Tobacco Retailer's Permit and submit the permit fee no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the term.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4952997; v15 updated 2026-07-14; through 07-14-2026).
Full Breakdown
1 defines "tobacco retailer" and "tobacco product" to expressly include electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, vape pens, and electronic hookahs, so vape shops fall squarely under this permit. 2 bars any person from acting as a tobacco retailer without a valid permit for each location, bans peripatetic or vehicle-based tobacco sales outright, and prohibits issuing a permit to any location licensed for on-site alcohol consumption or that serves food for on-premises dining. 3, must already hold a City business license and a State Tobacco Retailer's License from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and must disclose any past permit denials, suspensions, or revocations and any tobacco-related felony convictions within the past five years.
4 sets the permit term at one year, requires renewal at least 30 days before expiration, and lists denial grounds including a location with a suspended or revoked permit within the past three years. 9 authorizes suspension for up to 30 days on a first violation, up to one year on a second violation, and permanent revocation on a third violation within any three-year period, with a three-year retailing ban following revocation. 8.
Violations & Fines
Selling without a valid permit is declared a public nuisance under § 7-23A.10, with each day of unpermitted sales a separate violation; the retailer becomes ineligible for a new permit at that location for 30 days after a first violation, six months after a second, and one year after a third within an 18-month period. Section 7-23A.12 lets the City Attorney settle a first or second violation for up to $1,000 or $5,000 respectively plus a suspension of retail activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vape shops need a Tobacco Retailer's Permit in Compton?
Can a Compton tobacco retailer sell from a location that also serves alcohol for on-site consumption?
How long does a Compton tobacco permit last and how is it renewed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Compton
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