Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Santa Cruz, CA Tobacco & Vaping: Flavored Tobacco Bans (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Source: California Health and Safety Code 104559.5 →

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Key Facts

Statute: Health & Safety 104559.5
Enacting Law: SB 793 (2020)
Voter Ratification: Prop 31 (2022)
Premium Cigar Exemption: Over $12

California state rule: Santa Cruz does not have a local ordinance for flavored tobacco bans. This topic is governed by California state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

California bans retail sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide under Health and Safety Code 104559.5, enacted by SB 793 (2020) and upheld by voters via Proposition 31 in November 2022. The ban applies uniformly to all California retailers.

Full Breakdown

Health and Safety Code 104559.5 prohibits tobacco retailers from selling flavored tobacco products including flavored cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape liquids, and most flavored cigars. The law was enacted as SB 793 in 2020 and ratified by voters as Proposition 31 with about 63 percent support in November 2022. Limited exemptions cover loose-leaf pipe tobacco, premium cigars (priced over $12), and shisha tobacco sold in licensed hookah lounges. The ban applies to in-person retail sales statewide. Cities and counties cannot authorize flavored sales but may enforce stricter rules.

Violations & Fines

Retailers face fines up to $250 per violation under Health and Safety Code 104559.5, plus potential STAKE Act penalties and tobacco retailer license actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flavored tobacco is banned in California?

Most flavored cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape liquids, and flavored cigars. Exemptions include loose-leaf pipe tobacco, premium cigars over $12, and shisha sold in licensed hookah lounges.

Can a California city allow flavored tobacco sales?

No. The statewide ban under Health and Safety Code 104559.5 prohibits retail flavored sales everywhere in California. Local governments cannot opt out or carve exceptions.

How does Santa Cruz compare?

See how Santa Cruz's flavored tobacco bans rules stack up against other locations.

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Santa Cruz, CA Tobacco & Vaping: Flavored Tobacco Bans (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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