Tobacco Retailer License
About the Tobacco Retailer License Program
The mission of the Tobacco Retailer License Program is to promote compliance with federal, state, and local tobacco-related laws and to decrease access of tobacco to persons under the age of 21. Retailers are regulated by requiring an annual non-transferrable license and by conducting routine compliance inspections to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local ordinances. Code Enforcement Officers frequent tobacco retailers to conduct outreach and education on tobacco regulations.
Chapter 5.138 of the Sacramento City Code
**Change in Fees**
Starting December 19, 2025, a Code Technology Fee in the amount of an 8% surcharge will be applied to all Code Enforcement fees (excluding fines or penalties). This new fee is going to impact the Code Enforcement’s ability to support, maintain, and enhance operations, and to provide efficient, transparent service delivery for all technology systems used for inspections, case management, and customer service. Each technology fee is applied specifically to the eligible charge listed on the invoice, appearing directly below the corresponding fee. Consequently, some invoices may display multiple technology fees.
If you have any questions about this fee please send an email to CL@cityofsacramento.org or call (916) 808-2633.
| Fee | Current | Effective July 1, 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Tobacco Retailer License Application | $370.00 | $510.00 |
| Tobacco Retailer License Renewal | $370.00 | $470.00 |
Requirements to retail tobacco in the City of Sacramento
The City of Sacramento has several requirements to retail tobacco and tobacco products. Prior to retailing tobacco, a business owner must obtain:
- State of California Department of Tax and Fee Administration’s Tobacco Retailer License issued to the business. Visit the CDTFA for additional information.
- An approved Conditional Use Permit issued to the property by the City of Sacramento’s Community Development Department.
- Find the tobacco retail license application here. Additional details on the CUP requirement to retail tobacco can be found at this link Staff Report for CUP Requirement.
- A valid Business Operating Tax Certificate issued to the business by the City of Sacramento’s Department of Finance. Here is the application for the certificate.
- A Tobacco Retailer License issued by the City of Sacramento’s Community Development Department: City of Sacramento Tobacco Retailer License Application.
- Submit payment by way of a check or money order made payable to CITY OF SACRAMENTO in the amount of $510. Please mail all checks and money orders to:
ATTN: Business Compliance Unit
Tobacco Retailer License
300 Richards Blvd, 3rd floor
Sacramento CA 95811
- The location where it is desired to retail tobacco must comply with Sacramento City Code 5.138.040 (B), “No license shall issue, and no existing license shall be renewed, to authorize tobacco retailing within 1,000 feet of a tobacco retailer already licensed pursuant to this chapter as measured by a straight line from the nearest point of the property line of the parcel on which the applicant’s business is located to the nearest point of the property line of the parcel on which an existing licensee’s business is located.”
- To determine if your location complies with the 1,000-foot distance requirement, you may utilize the Tobacco Retail License Web Mapping Tool. Disclaimer: The map and data are provided for informational purposes only and may differ from official records used to determine the affected properties if and when the ordinance is approved.
Informational material and links
- Tobacco Retailer License Application
- Tobacco Retailer License Application Frequently Asked Questions
- Tobacco Retail License Web Mapping Application
- Tobacco Retail License Ordinance Amendment Presentation
- Routine Compliance Inspection Checklist
- Tobacco Retail Licensing Appeal Form
- Letter to Retailers Regarding the California Attorney General’s Tobacco Product List
- Attorney General’s tobacco product webpage
Need assistance?
Please contact the Business Compliance Unit by email or call (916) 808-8038. You may request a consultation for assistance with a new application or renewal by appointment.
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