San Diego requires every shop selling electronic cigarettes to hold a Tobacco Retail License under SDMC section 32.51 plus a state CDTFA license. Sales of flavored vape products are banned under SDMC section 32.50.04 and California SB-793.
SDMC chapter 3 article 2 division 50 sections 32.50 through 32.5106 (the Tobacco Retail License ordinance) require any retailer selling tobacco or vaping products in San Diego to hold an annual city license issued by the City Treasurer and post the certificate at the point of sale. Licenses are conditional on zoning, age-verification, and freedom from flavored-product violations. Retailers must also hold a CDTFA cigarette and tobacco products license under state Business and Professions Code section 22972. Self-service displays of vape products are barred, and only PMTA-listed devices and tobacco-flavored e-liquid may be sold; menthol, fruit, mint, and other flavors are illegal under SDMC section 32.50.04.
Selling vape products without a San Diego license, or selling flavored e-cigarettes, is a misdemeanor and triggers license suspension or revocation, plus civil fines under SDMC section 32.5106 of up to several thousand dollars per violation.
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