The Tobacco Retailer's Permit Ordinance requires business establishments in the City of Los Angeles to obtain and maintain an annual Tobacco Retailer's Permit for each fixed location where tobacco, tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia are sold. The City Council created the Tobacco Enforcement Program in order to discourage the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors. In addition, the program seeks to identify tobacco retailers and better track problem vendors that repeatedly violate laws.
The Office of Finance is responsible for processing applications and issuing Tobacco Retailer's permits. Permits are issued annually and are valid through December 31. The City Attorney's Office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting tobacco retailers who fail to obtain and maintain a permit and for conducting compliance checks that may be necessary in the investigation of tobacco retailers. Violation of the City's Tobacco Retailer's Permit Ordinance is punishable as a misdemeanor, and can result in suspension of the tobacco permit, fines and/or jail. Any tobacco retailer who violates any state or local law regulating the sale, advertisement or display of tobacco products shall be subject to permit suspension.
Illegal sales of tobacco products to minors are an urgent public health issue. Increased compliance checks and aggressive enforcement of tobacco laws are essential components of reducing illegal sales.
Important Notice for NEW Tobacco Permit Applicants (Does not apply to renewals):
You may not lawfully sell tobacco products until your Tobacco Permit application has been approved and your new Tobacco Permit is granted. The Office of Finance is responsible for processing Tobacco Permit applications and accepting all payments. The Office of Finance will also issue your Tobacco Permit once your eligibility is confirmed.
Please note Tobacco Retailer's Permits are not transferable. If your business location changes to a new address, you are required to apply for a new Tobacco Retailer's Permit for your new location.
The Tobacco Enforcement Program will confirm your eligibility within 2-4 business days. If your new Tobacco Permit application is approved, the Office of Finance will mail your Tobacco Permit to you. Note that the Tobacco Enforcement Program does NOT accept applications, process payments or issue Permits. Be advised that the Tobacco Enforcement Program will not approve a Tobacco Permit application for a location that is currently serving, or scheduled to serve, a Tobacco Permit suspension. To check the status of your new Tobacco Permit application, contact the Tobacco Enforcement Program at tep@lacity.org or (213) 202-5595. Have your account number available. The Tobacco Enforcement Program cannot accommodate in-person inquiries.
Smoke & Vape Shop Interim Control Ordinance (ICO)
What is the Smoke & Vape Shop Interim Control Ordinance (ICO)?
On July 10, 2026, the Smoke & Vape Shop ICO (Ord-188977) became effective, establishing a temporary prohibition on the processing and issuance of any by-right land use permits for Smoke & Vape Shop uses, as well as tobacco retailer permits, within the boundaries of Council District 15.
This prohibition applies to any retail establishment involving the primary sale of tobacco products, substances intended for smoking, or smoking accessories such as pipes, vaporizing devices, or other smoking paraphernalia. This prohibition also includes an enclosed smokers’ lounge that is solely dedicated to smoking tobacco products. The prohibition does not include establishments such as grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations or similar retail establishments. Additionally, medicinal or recreational cannabis establishments are excluded by this ordinance; for regulations regarding those uses, please refer to the Department of Cannabis Regulation.
When does the ICO expire?
Initially set to remain in effect for 45 days (August 20, 2026), the ICO was extended by the City Council on August 12, 2026, for an additional 10 months and 15 days. The City Council has the authority to further extend the ICO for up to one additional year. To remain updated on the process, please subscribe to Council File 25-0916.
Is there relief from the ICO prohibitions?
Relief from the ICO can only be granted by the City Council in the form of a hardship exemption. The City Council may grant hardship exemptions from any or all of the provisions of the ordinance in cases of extreme hardship.
What is the process to apply for a Hardship Exemption?
An application for a hardship exemption must be filed with the City Clerk’s Office on forms provided by the Department of City Planning. The steps to apply are discussed in the Hardship Exemption Application.
What if my business is a grocery store, convenience store, gas station or similar retail establishment seeking a Tobacco Retailer Permit?
The ICO does not prohibit the issuance of a Tobacco Retailer Permit to these types of
retail establishments, provided that tobacco sales are not the primary use of the
business.
However, if a Tobacco Retailer Permit is obtained based on false or misleading
information supplied by the proprietor, the permit is subject to revocation pursuant to
LAMC Sec.43.96(c).
Who to contact if you have questions on the ICO?
Please submit inquiries to Council District 15 General Email: councilmember.mcosker@lacity.org
General Information
What is the fee amount?
Effective September 19,2019, the cost for a Tobacco Retailer's Permit is $437, to be adjusted annually. The fee will be set annually and calculated so as to recover the cost of both the administration and enforcement of the permit, including the cost of issuing the permit, renewing the permit, administering the retailer permit program, retailer education, retailer inspection and compliance checks, documentation of violations, adjudications, and convictions, and prosecution of violators. All fees are non-refundable, except as required by law and shall be used exclusively to fund the program. Fees shall not be prorated.
When did the Ordinance become effective?
The ordinance became effective on May 3, 2000.
What are the penalties?
If payment is not received by December 31, a 25% penalty of $109.25 will be added to the $437 fee.
What if I have additional questions?
If you would like additional information, please contact the Tobacco Enforcement Program at tep@lacity.org.
Online Tobacco Education Course- STELARR
In order to assist tobacco retailers, the Tobacco Enforcement Program has developed an online tobacco education course called STELARR (Standardized Tobacco E-Training for Los Angeles Responsible Retailers). This course is available online, completely free of charge, and provided for educational and training purposes for business owners and employees.
The STELARR course covers many tobacco related laws, including sales to minors, signage and tobacco permit requirements, and the ban on retail sales of flavored tobacco products. The course is available in three languages: English, Spanish, Armenian. For additional details, please access the STELARR flyer by clicking the following link : STELARR FLYER.
Tobacco Retailer's Permit Application
You can apply for a Tobacco Retailer's Permit online or by mail.
Every November, the Office of Finance sends annual renewal notices to all permit holders. However, it is the retailer's responsibility to complete and submit the renewal, even if a notice is not received.
File Your Tobacco Renewal
For More Information
For more information about the Tobacco Retailer's Permit, contact the Office of Finance at (844) 663-4411.