Tobacco Retailers

 *For more information specific to your jurisdiction check out the municipal codes linked above. 

Helpful Definitions

Vapes*

• Any device or delivery system that can be used to deliver nicotine, cannabis or an aerosolized substance, including but not limited to an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic pipe, electronic hookah, or vape pen, including any component, part or accessory of such a device. 

Minimum Price

• The lowest price for any type of tobacco product. 

Minimum Pack

• The minimum size or quantity that tobacco products must be packaged in to be sold (original manufacturer packaging only).

Coupons**

• Any voucher, rebate, card, paper, note, form, statement, ticket, image, or other issue, whether in paper, digital, or other form, used for commercial purposes to obtain an article, product, service, or accommodation without charger or at a discounted price. 

Flavored Tobacco Product*

• Any tobacco product, other than cigarettes as defined by federal law, that contains a constituent that imparts a characterizing flavor. A tobacco product whose labeling or packaging contains text or an image indicating that the product imparts a characterizing flavor is presumed to be a flavored tobacco product. 

*Definitions from Unincorporated Contra Costa's Municipal Code.

**Definition from Concord's Municipal Code. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

There are so many different tobacco laws at the state and local level. Which ones do I follow?

• Retailers must abide by all federal, state, and local tobacco laws. If an existing local law is more restrictive than the state law, the retailers in that jurisdiction must comply with the more restrictive local ordinance. 

Resources and Materials

• Retailer No Sale Flyer
• FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products
• California Prohibits Retailers from Selling Flavored Tobacco Products