Tobacco Retailer’s License
Updated November 19, 2021
Temporary Service Closure
The City of Cerritos is preparing to offer online business license services, including the ability to apply, renew, and pay business license fees through an online portal. Due to required computer system upgrades, business license services will not be available on Friday, December 3, 2021 all day and Monday, December 6, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For assistance, please call the Business License Office at (562) 916-1236. We apologize for the inconvenience.
On February 14, 2008, the Cerritos City Council adopted an ordinance requiring businesses that sell tobacco to obtain a City of Cerritos tobacco retailer’s license. The licensing ordinance also provides for the suspension or revocation of the license if the merchant sells tobacco products to minors or violates other local, state, or federal laws related to tobacco sales.
On November 14, 2019, the Cerritos City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1028 amending Chapter 5.35 and Section 22.40.320 of the Cerritos Municipal Code, prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes in all zones throughout the City of Cerritos.
Details
- Tobacco retailer’s licenses are issued by the City of Cerritos Business License Division.
- The tobacco retailer’s license costs $50 per year, and must be renewed prior to the expiration of the payment term.
- The tobacco retailer’s license is only required for merchants who sell any products containing tobacco and must be obtained prior to selling these products.
- The tobacco retailer’s license must be posted in a conspicuous location on the premises that is visible to the public.
- The tobacco retailer’s license is non-transferable and is valid only for the person and location issued for the period indicated, unless it is suspended or revoked for cause.
- Effective July 1, 2020, tobacco retailer licenses will no longer be issued to merchants/retailers for the display, sale, offer for sale or possession with the intent to sell electonic cigarettes or associated paraphernalia, including vape products.
Penalties
Penalties will be imposed as followed pursuant to Chapter 5.35 of the Cerritos Municipal Code:
- 1st Violation—Written warning
- 2nd Violation within three years of first violation— Thirty (30) day suspension
- 2nd Violation within twelve months of first violation— Ninety (90) day suspension
- 3rd Violation within three years of first violation— Ninety (90) day suspension
- 4th Violation within three years— License Revocation
To Obtain a license
Visit the City of Cerritos Business License Division, located at Cerritos City Hall, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos CA 90703
For additional questions, please contact the Business License Division
at (562) 916-1236 or business_license@cerritos.us.
