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

050 makes it unlawful to sell or offer tobacco products in the unincorporated area without first obtaining and maintaining a valid tobacco retailer's license from the county for each location, and the license can only authorize sales at a fixed location; retailing by persons on foot or from vehicles is prohibited outright. 040 defines "tobacco product" to expressly include electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes and electronic hookahs, so vape and e-cig retailers in the unincorporated area fall squarely under this licensing chapter. 051 and must list the applicant's name, address and phone number plus the business name and address of every location selling tobacco; licensees must report any change in that information within ten business days.

052, and the license is nontransferable between owners though it can move with a location change. 053, set to recover the county's administration and enforcement costs (inspections, compliance checks, education and prosecution) and adjustable by board of supervisors resolution; fees are nonrefundable. The department can deny an application for an incomplete or inaccurate submission, an active suspension at that location, an unlawful land use under the Marin County Code, or an unpaid fine. 055 rests with the Department of Health and Human Services, which may act on reports from law enforcement or the public and can pursue revocation, suspension and administrative fines independently or together.