Yes, you need a tobacco state license as well as in most cities, a city tobacco retail license

Most Cities have passed a Tobacco Retail Licensing Ordinance requiring all merchants in the city who sell tobacco, tobacco products, or tobacco paraphernalia to purchase a new license. The intent of this ordinance is to encourage responsible tobacco retailing and to discourage the violations of federal, state and local tobacco laws, especially those laws that forbid the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors.  The  Police Department is the lead agency and is responsible for the administration, oversight, and enforcement of this new ordinance.

The license requirement is in addition to the existing State of California tobacco retailing license and regular general city business license.

 
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: When did the ordinance go into effect?
A: The ordinance goes into effect at different dates in different cities.

 
 
Q: How do I apply?
A: To apply, fill out the Tobacco Retail License Application online on this site  and we will help you get it.
 
Q: What is the fee?
A: The annual license fee differs from city to city and it is in addition to the $100 fee for the state tobacco license. 
The fee covers the cost of program administration, oversight, inspection, and enforcement.
 
Q: Does the Tobacco Retail License need to be posted?
A: Yes.  Each tobacco retailer license shall be prominently displayed in a publicly visible location.
 

We can help you got both on this site.. keep in mind that in addition, you need a regular BUSINESS license  as well as a seller's permit and a dba. I was wondering if someone could tell me exactly what I need to do legally to get my business going.

My sister and I are opening a studio for Dance, Photography and Bridal consultant. We will have a tanning bed and be selling items related to tanning and want to resell items such as gift baskets, clothing, and other items. Also, if we sell candybars, soda and other food items that are packaged, will we be getting into the health department?   If you could, please let me know what we need to do. Thank You so much

 
Q: Does the Tobacco Retail License expire?
A: Yes.  In most cities.   In the state of California and in most cities the term of a tobacco retailer license is one year'   Renewal of your license should be done in a timely manner to avoid penalties. Q: What are the penalties?
A: In most cases a 10% reinstatement fee will be added to the annual fee.<

Required Documents When Starting a Business. In general, the following need at least these documents: INDIVIDUALS, PARTNERSHIPS & CORPORATIONS OR LLCs doing business in a name other than their legal name need a DBA trade name and a business license. CORPORATIONS & LLCs need a federal tax id and a business license. EMPLOYERS need a federal tax id (EIN), a state tax id (EIN) and a business license.

RETAILERS OR WHOLESALERS of tangible taxable items / services, need a seller's permit / resale license and a business license. Note that ALL BUSINESS NEED a business license and most advisors recommend using a federal tax id to open a business bank account as well as perform a nationwide business name check before your register your dba or corporation. Take a quiz to see what you need http://www.businessnameusa.com/info/step1.htm or for more information, go to: http://www.businessnameusa.com/info.htm