Tobacco Retailers License

Moratorium Information 

On April 16, 2024, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 03-24 N.S., establishing a temporary moratorium on new tobacco retailers in the City of Richmond pursuant to Government Code Section 65858.

On April 1, 2025, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 09-25 N.S., extending the moratorium previously established by Urgency Ordinance No. 03-24 N.S. and Urgency Ordinance No. 05-24 N.S. for an additional twelve (12) months, thereby extending the moratorium expiration date to April 15, 2026.

Tobacco Retail License – Basic Requirements

Retailers that sell tobacco products in Richmond are required to maintain all applicable licenses and comply with local, state, and federal requirements.

State license (California)

A California cigarette and tobacco products retail license is required for each retail location and must be renewed annually through CDTFA.

Pathway to Compliance Retailers

If you are one of the 18 retailers participating in the Pathway to Compliance initiative, please contact Avery Stark directly for assistance or questions.
Email: avery_stark@ci.richmond.ca.us
Phone: (510) 426-0751

City Council Meeting February 24, 2026: Meeting Materials.

City Council Meeting July 1, 2025: Meeting Materials.

  • Amendment of the City’s Tobacco Retailers Moratorium
    • ADOPT an ordinance (second reading) amending Ordinance No. 03-25, as amended, to allow identified long-time Richmond-based retailers who once held a city tobacco retailer's license to obtain such license during the moratorium.

City Council Meeting June 24, 2025: Meeting Materials.

City Council Meeting, April 1, 2025: Meeting Materials.

City Council Meeting April 16, 2024: Meeting Materials.

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