Corona, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)

The license requirement covers electronic smoking devices as well as combustible tobacco: § 5.19.020(D) defines an 'electronic smoking device' as any device used to deliver nicotine, covering e-cigarettes, e-cigars and e-hookahs, and § 5.19.030(D) makes it unlawful to act as a tobacco retailer without first obtaining and maintaining a valid license for each location, declaring unlicensed retailing a public nuisance. Under § 5.19.030(A), all sales must be vendor-assisted, meaning only a store employee may hand over the product; a vending machine does not count as vendor-assisted.

The exception is a 'retail tobacco store' devoting at least 80% of its floor and shelf space to tobacco products under § 5.19.020(H). Every point of purchase must post a sign in letters at least one-quarter inch high warning that sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited, per § 5.19.030(B), and clerks must check photo ID for any buyer who appears under 21 per § 5.19.030(C). The license runs one year and must be renewed, fee paid, no later than 30 days before expiration under § 5.19.070(B); a lapsed license is reinstated only by paying the fee plus a 10% reinstatement charge and filing a sworn affidavit under § 5.19.070(C).

The Department, which may be city staff or the Riverside County Health and Human Services Department, can revoke a license after notice and hearing under § 5.19.100(A). Revocation bars a new license at that location for 10 days after a first violation within 60 months, 30 days after a second, 90 days after a third, and five years after a fourth or subsequent violation, per § 5.19.100(B).