LA County Ordinance 2019-0014 (LACO Title 11.04.250) bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored e-liquids, in unincorporated areas. California SB-793 imposes the same ban statewide as of December 2022, covering all 88 cities.
Effective May 2020 in unincorporated LA County, LACO Title 11, chapter 11.04, section 11.04.250 prohibits any tobacco retailer from selling flavored tobacco products, defined to include any cigarette, cigar, smokeless tobacco, hookah tobacco, or electronic cigarette liquid with a characterizing flavor other than tobacco. Menthol, mint, wintergreen, fruit, candy, dessert, and concept flavors are all included. The ordinance preceded and now reinforces California SB-793 (Health and Safety Code section 104559.5), which extends the same ban to every LA County city. Hookah lounges and premium cigar shops have a narrow state exemption. DPH enforces locally with license suspension.
Selling flavored tobacco is a misdemeanor under LACO Title 11.04.250 and California Health and Safety Code section 104559.5, triggering license suspension and fines up to about five thousand dollars per violation.
See how Santa Monica's flavored tobacco bans rules stack up against other locations.
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