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Sandra Rivera, Agency Director

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Tobacco Retailer License (TRL) Ordinance in Unincorporated Alameda County

NOTE: At this time, we are not able to issue any tobacco retail licenses to new owners. Please contact code enforcement for more information at 510-670-6011.

Ordinance Background

On January 14, 2020, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors passed a new law that requires all tobacco retailers in Unincorporated areas of Alameda County to obtain and maintain a valid Tobacco Retailer License (TRL) by September 6, 2020 in order to sell tobacco. Retailers must fully comply with all ordinance provisions by this time. The ordinance established various regulations related to the retail sale of tobacco products, including new requirements related to package sizes, pricing, and restrictions on the sale of flavored products.

Tobacco Retailer License Application

All Tobacco Retailer License renewal applications, along with supporting documents and payment, must be postmarked or received in person no later than December 1 to allow sufficient time to process applications and issue eligible licenses and certificates by January 1. Existing licensed tobacco retailers who fail to renew their license without lapse may be subject to stricter eligibility requirements that may prevent them from being eligible for a tobacco retail license pursuant to Ordinance Section 3.58.060. In other words, YOU COULD LOSE YOUR COUNTY TOBACCO LICENSE IF YOU DO NOT APPLY ON TIME.

• Tobacco Retailer License Application Form (PDF)*
• TRL Renewal Reminder (PDF)*
• Tobacco Retailer License FAQs (PDF)*

More information regarding the ordinance provisions and tobacco products sales restrictions are provided in the links below. Please note that these documents are reference tools, and do not include every tobacco product regulated under the new law. We encourage you to discuss these regulations with your distributors and make sure that the tobacco products you buy from them are compliant.

• Tobacco Retailer License Ordinance (PDF)*
• Electronic Smoking Devices Ordinance (PDF)*
• Notice for Retailers: Tobacco Products Sales Law Starting April 13, 2020 (Updated March 2021) (PDF)*

Meetings

Alameda County's Public Health Department (ACPHD) and Community Development Agency will host optional tobacco retailer trainings to provide education and support to retailers operating in the Unincorporated Alameda County. Information on meeting dates and educational materials will be posted below.

Presentation Slides

• July 29, 2020 - Tobacco Retailer License & Flavored Tobacco Presentation by ACPHD (PDF)*
• July 29, 2020 - Licensing and Enforcement Presentation by Code Enforcement Division (PDF)*
• March 26, 2021 - Tobacco Retailer License & Flavored Tobacco Presentation by ACPHD (PDF)*

Video Recordings

• March 26, 2021 - 2nd Virtual Training on Alameda County's Tobacco Retail Ordinances
  Video Password: P6ykkm5#

Staff Contact

For questions about the Tobacco Retailer License (TRL) Ordinance, please contact Edward Labayog.

Links & Resources

• Alameda County Tobacco Control Program
• Alameda County Economic and Civic Development - Business Resources

* Portable Document Format (PDF) file requires the free Adobe Reader.