Riverside requires a city tobacco retail license for any business selling cigarettes, vapes, or other nicotine products, layered on top of the California state license under STAKE Act enforcement.
Retailers must obtain an annual Riverside tobacco license from the Finance Department before selling any tobacco or vapor products. California raised the minimum sales age to 21 statewide and AB 793 bans most flavored tobacco. Stings by RPD and the state STAKE Act program target sales to minors. License denial, suspension, or revocation follows repeat violations, and self-service displays of tobacco are prohibited except in adult-only stores.
Selling without a license, sales to anyone under 21, or stocking flavored tobacco can trigger fines, license suspension, and CDPH enforcement actions.
See how Riverside's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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