SDMC §32.5101 requires every tobacco retailer in San Diego to hold a city Tobacco Retail License (TRL). California SB-793 bans most flavored tobacco statewide, and the city enforces buffers near schools and youth-serving spaces.
Under SDMC §32.5101 et seq., every retailer selling tobacco, vape, or nicotine products in the city must obtain an annual Tobacco Retail License from the city Treasurer. The ordinance bars new licenses within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, libraries, and youth-serving facilities, and within 500 feet of existing tobacco retailers. Licenses cap at one per parcel. California SB-793 (2020) bans the sale of most flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes and flavored vapes; voters upheld it via Prop 31 (2022). The federal Tobacco 21 law sets minimum sales age at 21. Decoy operations check compliance.
Selling without a TRL, to minors, or selling banned flavored products triggers civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, license suspension or revocation, and progressive penalties for repeat offenses including five-year disqualification.
San Diego, CA
Federal Tobacco 21 (Public Law 116-94) and California Business and Professions Code section 22963 bar San Diego retailers from selling cigarettes, cigars, va...
San Diego, CA
San Diego SDMC section 32.50.04 bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and flavored e-liquids, in the...
See how San Diego's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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