Tobacco Retailer License (TRL) Ordinance in Unincorporated Alameda County
2021 License Fee: $940.00
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 applications, along with supporting documents and payment, must be postmarked or received in person by December 1, 2020 to allow sufficient time to process applications and issue eligible licenses and certificates by January 1, 2021.
- Tobacco Retailer License Application Form (PDF)*
- Tobacco Retailer License Application Instructions (PDF)*
- TRL Renewal Reminder for 2021 (PDF)*
- Tobacco Retailer License FAQs (PDF)*
- Credit Card Authorization Form (if applicable) (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)*
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (Updated 9/2020) (PDF)*
- Notice for Retailers: Cover Letter (Updated 9/2020) (PDF)*
- Notice for Retailers: Tobacco Products Sales Law Starting April 13, 2020 (Updated 9/2020) (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.
- July 29, 2020 - Tobacco Retailer License & Flavored Tobacco Presentation by ACPHD (PDF)*
- July 29, 2020 - Licensing and Enforcement Presentation by Code Enforcement Division (PDF)*
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.