Santa Monica, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Tobacco Retail License (2026)
Key Facts
- License renewal deadline
- 30 days before June 30 expiration
- ID check age threshold
- Persons appearing under 27
- First violation suspension
- Up to 30 days
- Second violation suspension
- Up to 90 days
- Third violation
- Revocation; no re-application for 5 years
- Includes e-cigarettes/vapes
- Yes: electronic smoking devices covered
Summary
All tobacco retailers in Santa Monica must hold a valid city tobacco retailer's license, renewed annually by June 30. Retailers must check ID for anyone appearing under 27, cannot display products within reach of customers, and may not sell from mobile locations.
§ 4.45.030. Tobacco retailer license required.
(a) No person shall operate as a tobacco retailer without first obtaining and maintaining a valid tobacco retailer's license pursuant to this Chapter for each location at which that activity is to occur.
(b) Tobacco retailing without a valid tobacco retailer's license is a public nuisance.
§ 4.45.070. Prohibitions.
(b) No tobacco retailer shall sell or transfer a tobacco product to another person who appears to be under the age of twenty-seven years, without first examining the identification of the recipient to confirm that the recipient is at least the minimum age under State law, to purchase and possess the tobacco product.
(d) No tobacco retailer shall display tobacco products in a manner that is accessible to the general public without the assistance of the tobacco retailer or its employee.
(e) No tobacco retailer shall sell or display cigarettes out of the manufacturer's package or without required health warnings.
(f) No tobacco retailer shall sell tobacco products from other than a fixed location, including, but not limited to, sales by persons on foot or from vehicles.
Full Breakdown
A license is required for each separate retail location and must be posted visibly at all times. The license will not be issued if the proprietor has prior tobacco control violations within six months, or if the location had its license revoked within the past five years. All tobacco products include electronic smoking devices (vapes). Violations of the licensing chapter constitute a misdemeanor, and repeated violations can lead to escalating suspensions and ultimately permanent revocation.
Violations & Fines
First violation: license may be suspended up to 30 days. Second violation within 5 years: suspended up to 90 days. Third violation within 5 years: license revoked. After revocation, no re-application at the same location for 5 years. All violations constitute a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a vape shop need a tobacco retailer license?
Can products be displayed where customers can grab them off the shelf?
What if my state license has been suspended?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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