San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 6.86 imposes one of California's most rigorous tobacco retail licensing schemes, requiring annual permits, density caps, school buffers, and compliance inspections covering all vape and tobacco sellers.
SJMC Chapter 6.86 requires every retailer selling tobacco, vape, or nicotine products inside San Jose to hold a city Tobacco Retail License renewed annually. The ordinance imposes density caps limiting new licenses near existing tobacco retailers and prohibits new licenses within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, libraries, or other tobacco retailers. Pharmacies are barred from selling tobacco. Inspections enforce age-verification, no self-service displays, and the city's flavor ban. License suspension or revocation follows repeated youth-sale violations. The license is separate from the California state retail license under STAKE Act, and both must be maintained continuously.
Selling tobacco without a city license, to minors, or violating buffer rules brings administrative fines escalating with each offense, license suspension after multiple violations, and permanent revocation for serious or repeated noncompliance.
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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