Los Angeles enforces the federal Tobacco 21 minimum age plus California state law. All tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited. LA County also bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products including menthol cigarettes and flavored vape liquids since 2022, layered on top of CA SB 793.
The federal Tobacco 21 law (Dec 2019) raised the nationwide minimum age to 21 for sale of cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and all other tobacco products. California codified the same floor through the STAKE Act (Business & Professions Code §22950–22963). Los Angeles enforces these standards through LAMC §46.93, which requires every tobacco retailer to hold a Tobacco Retailer Permit and prohibits sales or transfers to anyone under 21. Stores must check photo ID for any purchaser appearing under 30. California SB 793 (effective Dec 2022) prohibits sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide, and LA County Ordinance 2022-0033 extends the ban county-wide including unincorporated areas and adds menthol cigarettes, flavored vapes, and flavored cigars. LA Department of Public Health Tobacco Enforcement Program conducts compliance checks using underage decoys.
Retailer fines start at $200 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and up to $1,000 plus 30-day permit suspension for a third within a 5-year window. A fourth violation triggers permit revocation. Selling flavored tobacco carries separate fines up to $1,000 per item. Individuals furnishing tobacco to minors face up to $200 fines per CA B&P §22958.
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