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California Tobacco control branch

California Tobacco 21 Law

 ATTENTION RETAILERS!

As of December 20, 2019, the federal age of sale for tobacco products is 21 with no exemption for military personnel.  

Please visit the Food and Drug Administration website 
"This is Our Watch"  for more information and to obtain free resources.

​Tobacco Age of Sale Warning Sign

Signage 

This age-of-sale sign meets legal requirements for the wording, font size, and size of the sign.
Printing Instructions: Please print this sign at 100%. Do Not reduce or enlarge the size of this sign. This sign is 8.5” wide by 3.66” high. Do not print this sign using the ”Fit”, ”Shrink oversized pages”, or “Custom Scale” options in the print dialogue box. Download and post this sign at each cash register. This is a temporary sign to be used until the printed signs are mailed to you. Adhesive-backed signs are being mailed to retailers during the month of July 2020.

This sign reminds customers that the age-of-sale for tobacco and e-cigarettes is 21 and that clerks check for ID. Download and post this sign in your window. A window cling with this design is being mailed to retailers during the month of June 2016.
 
Signage Order Form (PDF)
Use this form to order additional age-of-sale warning signs and window clings.

Legislation

Electronic Cigarettes: regulates electronic cigarettes the same as other tobacco products and establish an annual licensing fee on e-cigarette retailers of $265 per location.
 
Tobacco products minimum legal age: raises California’s legal smoking age and the age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, except for active duty military 18 or older.
 
Cigarette and tobacco product licensing fees and funding: increases California’s tobacco licensing, distributor and wholesaler fees.

Questions

California Department of Public Health, California Tobacco Control Program
For questions on educational materials and signage, or via telephone at 916-449-5500
 
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
For questions and information about tobacco retail licensing and fees, or via telephone at 1-800-400-7115 (select the “Cigarette and Tobacco Products” option).
 
California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch
For questions and information about retail enforcement and compliance or via telephone at 916-650-6500.


Under 21 Prohibited Tobacco 21 Law -The Sale of Tobacco Products or Electronic Smoking Devices to Persons under 21 is Prohibited


Retailer smiling at her register Retailer Information and Resources
     

Tobacco Control Laws that Affect California Retail Businesses 2021 (PDF, 1.80MB)

This educational brochure contains basic information on state and federal tobacco control laws that affect retail businesses in California.  

Printing Instructions

  • Download the PDF file to your computer.
  • This guide can be printed on standard 8.5" x 11" paper. Your office printer should automatically reduce the image to best fit its margins. If not, make sure "Fit" or "Reduce to fit" is selected.
  • We recommend a slightly heavier or glossy paper for best finish.
  • If you would like to order a free printed copy of this booklet, contact The Tobacco Education Clearinghouse of California at (800) 258-9090 or teccorder@tecc.org.
Letter to Retailers from the California Department of Public Health Director and State Health Officer (PDF)
This letter from State Health Officer and California Department of Public Health Director describes new tobacco laws that apply to California retailers and provides information and resources to help retailers comply with the new law.
Español 

Minimum Sale Age and Electronic Smoking Devices, A Summary for Retailers (PDF)
This factsheet summarizes key provisions of new laws related to the age-of-sale for tobacco products and the sale of electronic smoking devices. 
Español  | 한국어 | 简体中文 | عربى


This tip sheet provides photos and descriptions of California’s driver’s license for persons under age 21 and 21 or over.  Español 
 
Tobacco Product Tip Sheet (PDF, 1.8MB)
This quick guide shows photos of the variety of tobacco products- new and traditional - covered under California law.
 
Retail Tobacco Laws FAQ (PDF)
The document responds to questions retailers may have about changes to tobacco laws.
Español 
 
Minimum Clerk Age Jurisdictions (PDF)
California state law does not identify a minimum age for clerks to sell tobacco products; however, many cities and counties have such a restriction. This list identifies the jurisdictions known to have minimum clerk age requirements.
 
How to Comply: Tips for Retailers (PDF)
This document provides guidance on how to comply with the law, tips on training, and how to refuse a sale.
 
Training
California Retailers and Tobacco Law Training (PDF)                
This self-guided PowerPoint provides essential information for managers and clerks regarding the sale of tobacco products in California.

Retailer Training Quiz (PDF)
The quiz provides managers and clerks to check their understanding of tobacco laws that affect the sale of tobacco products.

This document provides answers to the California Retailers and Tobacco Law Training Quiz.
 
This form may be used for manager or clerks to acknowledge that they have completed the review of the California Retailers and Tobacco Laws Training



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