FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Tobacco Retailer License (TRL)?
A TRL is a license issued pursuant to Vallejo Municipal Code Chapter 5.10 - Tobacco Retail Licensing Ordinance, that lawfully authorizes any person to engage in tobacco retailing.
How do I obtain a Tobacco Retail License (TRL)?
As of August 1, 2025, the City is no longer accepting new TRL applications, as all available licenses have been issued.
Vallejo Municipal Code (VMC) Section 5.10.050(H)(1), Existing Retailers Exempted from Density and Proximity Requirements, provides that a complete application for the first license at a location must be submitted and accepted as complete within ninety (90) calendar days of the effective date of the ordinance (February 7, 2025), or by May 8, 2025. This exemption was specifically provided for existing retailers who would be unable to comply with the density and proximity limitations set forth in the ordinance. Applications submitted after the deadline are not eligible for processing, as the density limitations (which cap the total number of licenses available in the City), were exceeded during the initial application review window, and as such, there are no additional licenses available to be issued at this time. Any new future TRL applications must comply with all provisions of the ordinance.
How much will it cost to obtain a Tobacco Retail License (TRL) or renew an existing license?
Applications for new TRL’s are not being accepted at this time; however, the current adopted application fee is $2,500. The fee for annual renewal fee is currently $542.76, and the fee for annual inspection is $1,141. Please note, these fees may be subject to change, so you are encouraged to verify applicable fees as listed in the City’s most recent adopted Master Fee Schedule.
What will the collected Tobacco Retail License (TRL) fees be used for?
TRL fees are used to recover the cost of administration and enforcement of the program, as described in the Vallejo Municipal Code (VMC) Chapter 5.10, including, but not limited to, review and issuance of licenses, administration of the license program, retailer education, retailer annual inspection and compliance checks, documentation of violations, and prosecution of violators.
How long is a Tobacco Retail License (TRL) valid for?
A TRL is valid for one (1) calendar year. Each tobacco retailer is required to apply for TRL renewal, including submittal of required license fees, no later than ninety days prior to expiration of their current license. A retailer that fails to timely submit a renewal application and fee is ineligible for license renewal and must submit a new application pursuant to Section 5.10.060, if licenses are available.
Is my Tobacco Retail License (TRL) transferable?
A tobacco retailer's license may not be transferred from one person to another or from one location to another. A new tobacco retailer license is required whenever a tobacco retailing location has a change in proprietors or location.
If I own more than one (1) business in Vallejo and want to sell tobacco products, do I need a separate Tobacco Retail License (TRL) for each location?
Yes, a separate TRL is required for each location.
What does “Tobacco Product” mean?
Per VMC 5.10.010- Definitions, “Tobacco Product” is defined as the following.
- Any product containing, made of, or derived from tobacco or nicotine that is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff, or snus; and
- Any electronic device that delivers nicotine or any other substances to the person inhaling from the device, that may be aerosolized or vaporized by such device, whether or not the substance contains nicotine, including, but not limited to, a vaporizer/vape, electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic pipe, or electronic hookah; or
- Any component, part, or accessory of (1) or (2), whether or not any of these contain tobacco or nicotine, including but not limited to filters, rolling papers, blunt or hemp wraps, hookahs, mouthpieces, and pipes.
"Tobacco product" does not include drugs, devices, or products authorized for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as those terms are defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or Cannabis Products.
"Tobacco product" does not include drugs, devices, or products authorized for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as those terms are defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or Cannabis Products.
Can I sell flavored tobacco products and flavored electronic devices?
No, the sale of flavored tobacco products is prohibited. Please review VMC 5.10.010- Definitions, for the definition of a “ Flavored tobacco product”. Please reference the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) by the Department of Justice, which identifies specific tobacco product Brand Styles that manufacturers and importers have certified, under penalty of perjury, as containing no constituents that impart a characterizing flavor.
To be sold legally in California, a covered tobacco product must be included on this list; otherwise, it is classified as a prohibited flavored tobacco product under Health & Safety Code §§ 104559.1(g) and 104559.5(a)(6).
Are there minimum package size requirements for Cigars?
Yes, VMC 5.10.040 (E )- Tobacco product pricing and packaging states the following.
- Little cigars may only be sold in packages of at least ten (10) little cigars; or
- Cigars may only be sold in packages of at least ten (10) cigars. However, this requirement does not apply to the sale of a single cigar that costs at least ten dollars ($10) per cigar, including all applicable taxes and fees.
Are there minimum price requirements for Cigarettes and Cigars?
Yes, VMC 5.10.040 (F) – Tobacco product pricing and packaging states the following.
- Cigarettes may not be sold for less than ten dollars ($10.00) per package of twenty (20) cigarettes, including all applicable taxes and fees;
- Little cigars may not be sold for less than ten dollars ($10.00) per package, including all applicable taxes and fees; or
- Cigars may not be sold for less than fifty dollars ($50.00) per package, or ten dollars ($10.00) per cigar, including all applicable taxes and fees.