COUNTY OF MONTEREY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Tobacco Retail License Program
Monterey County (unincorporated area) and the following cities: Salinas, Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Gonzales, Seaside, King City, and Soledad require a Tobacco Retailer License to sell Tobacco Products. The Tobacco Retailer License is granted and administered by the Monterey County Health Department to ensure compliance with county/city, state, and federal tobacco laws.
Effective April, 15, 2022 -Tobacco Retail Licensing Ordinance Changes Monterey County Unincorporated Areas - Ban of flavored tobacco products and single use electronic cigarettes.
On November 8, 2022, California voters upheld the state law, Senate Bill (SB) 793 (Chapter 34, Statutes of 2020), prohibiting the sale of most flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes, as well as tobacco product flavor enhancers in retail locations, including stores and vending machines, in California. This law will become effective on December 21, 2022. For more information please visit, the California Department of Public Health's website.
Who should I contact if I have not received my County Tobacco Retail License?
- Salinas: 1270 Natividad Road, Salinas, CA 93960. Office (831)755-4505 | Fax (831)796-8694
- Monterey: 1200 Aguajito Rd, #007, Monterey, CA 93940. Office (831)647-7654 | Fax (831)796- 8695
- King City: 200 Broadway, Ste 70, King City, CA 93930. Office (831)386-6899 | Fax (831)796-8697
In the News
Tracking Tobacco Laws
Tobacco Retailers License Application
You will also need a Facility Inspection Application from Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau - Facility Inspection Application
Related Required Applications:
To apply for a Tobacco Retail License you must have a Cigarette and Tobacco Products License from the State of California. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration - https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Information by City
- Monterey County Code Chapter 7.80 - Tobacco Retail Licensing
- City of Salinas Code Article XIA - Tobacco Retail Licensing
- City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Code Chapter 5.56- Tobacco Retail Licensing
- City of Marina Code Chapter - Tobacco Retail Licensing
- City of Monterey Code Chapter 19 Article 5 - Tobacco Retail Licensing
- City of Gonzales Code Chapter 4.70 Tobacco License
- City of Del Rey Oaks (the city has not published)
- City of Seaside Code Chapter 8.39 Tobacco or Electronic Cigarette Retailers
- City of King City Code Chapter 7.18 Tobacco Licensing
- City of Soledad TRL Code Tobacco Licensing
Training Opportunities
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is offering interactive classes on its Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Program and related tobacco tax laws. The classes are designed to inform, answer questions, and help California sellers of cigarettes and tobacco products understand their requirements and avoid penalties. Navigate to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website to see the schedule of classes and to register. You may also call CDTFA at (916) 322-8536 for more information.
Additional Training opportunities here: Office of Youth Tobacco Enforcement
Further Information
County of Monterey Tobacco Control Program | For more information, please click here to contact us.