Ordinance Background

On October 16, 2017, the City Council adopted a local ordinance outlined in Municipal Code (Chapter 4-36) that requires tobacco retailers selling tobacco and related products in San Leandro to obtain a Tobacco Retailer's License (TRL) from the City. The ordinance also established various regulations related to the retail sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, including new requirements related to package sizes, pricing, and restrictions on the sale of flavored products. The City Council passed a resolution on July 16, 2018 establishing a $500 annual fee per local Tobacco Retail License.

The City began issuing TRLs and collecting the $500 fee in November 2018. Prior to December 31, 2018, tobacco retailers were only required to have a valid tobacco license from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (previously administered by the State Board of Equalization) in lieu of a TRL from the City. In the event that the tobacco retailer is selling only electronic cigarettes or electronic cigarette products, a tobacco license from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is not required.

Tobacco Retailer Requirements

Effective January 1, 2019, all tobacco retailers in San Leandro are required to have:

1. A City of San Leandro business license
2. A City of San Leandro TRL
3. A tobacco license from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in order to sell tobacco and related products in San Leandro

An online application process similar to the one used for businesses licenses has been developed is available for retailers. Retailers must apply and pay for the City's 2019 TRL by December 1, 2018. The Code requires retailers to pay no less than 30 days before January 1st of each year.