Tobacco Retailers License

Changes Effective January 1, 2018

Be advised, by January 1, 2018, all retailers in El Cerrito must comply with the following provisions:
  • Minimum Age for Employees Selling (21 years old)
  • No Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
  • No Sale of Single and Small-Pack Cigars, plus associated recordkeeping required for original labeling and packaging
The City’s Tobacco Retailer License Program went into effect on January 1, 2016. Download the adopted Ordinance.

Tobacco Retail License Applications


All retailers offering any tobacco products for sale in the City of El Cerrito are required to have a tobacco retailer license. The License Renewal Fee for 2022 is $439 per location. A new license is $485 per location
Penalties for late payments made after July 31 are assessed and increase monthly.

RENEW an Existing Tobacco Retail License
The annual license needs to be renewed in July each year.
You will need to pay the license renewal fee when you submit the application.
Renew your license online (a convenience fee of 3% applies) or download the 2022 Tobacco Retail License Renewal Form fillable PDF. 

Instructions for online renewal
In order to use the e-payment function, you must have an account.  To proceed with online renewal, click here: 2022 Tobacco Retail License Online Renewal Form.
If you would prefer to mail a check, download the "mail in renewal" form using the link below.
Instructions for renew by mail
To pay by mail, download the renewal form, then mail the completed form back with a check or money order to be postmarked by July 31 to:       
             City of El Cerrito, Tobacco Retailers License
                              c/o Alexandra Orologas
                              10890 San Pablo Ave.
                              El Cerrito, CA 94530
Apply for a New Tobacco Retail License
You will need to pay the license fee when you submit the application:
Download the Application for a NEW Tobacco Retail License PDF

Resources for Retailers

Program Summary Brochure (updated May 2022)
Tips for Measuring Display Area
Resources for Business Owners
Educational materials from California Department of Public Health

Please contact Alexandra Orologas at 510-215-4302 with any questions.