San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 6.86 requires every tobacco and electronic-smoking-device retailer to hold a city Tobacco Retail License. The ordinance bans flavored tobacco, sales by pharmacies, and sets density and proximity limits.
SJMC Chapter 6.86 requires each location selling cigarettes, cigars, vape devices, or other tobacco products to obtain an annual Tobacco Retail License (TRL) from the City. The ordinance bans the sale of flavored tobacco products including menthol, prohibits tobacco sales in pharmacies, and bars new tobacco retailers from opening within 1,000 feet of K-12 schools or within 500 feet of an existing retailer. Coupons, multi-pack discounts, and self-service displays are prohibited, and retailers must post signage and verify ID for buyers under 30. The City conducts unannounced compliance checks using youth decoys. Violations carry escalating fines, license suspensions, and revocation, and stack on top of state Stop Tobacco Access to Kids enforcement.
Selling without a TRL, selling to a minor, stocking flavored tobacco, ignoring pharmacy or proximity rules, or honoring coupons can trigger fines, license suspension up to five years, and permanent revocation for repeat violators.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
San Jose's 2018 flavored tobacco sales ban under SJMC 6.86 prohibits menthol, fruit, candy, and mint flavors in tobacco and vape products citywide, predating...
San Jose, CA
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See how San Jose's tobacco retail license rules stack up against other locations.
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