Tobacco Ordinance
Update
Council Legislation/Environmental Committee
September 21,2026
Department Updates - YTD Stats.
192 – TRLs currently issued
22 – Categorized as a Smoke Shop
12 – Categorized as Ancillary
1 – Categorized as Exempt
30 – Smoke Shops that have closed or recategorized their business license to something other than a Smoke Shop
Police Department Updates – YTD Stats.
127 – TRLs (new and renewals) approved
6 – Missions (Minor Decoys/UC Buys)
166 – Inspections conducted
50 – Citations
19 – Denied/Revoked TRLs
12 – Appeal Hearings (all decisions affirmed)
Police Department Updates – Violations
Most Common Violations:
SMC 5.104.030 (Tobacco Retail License Required)
SMC 5.104.130 (Sales without a Tobacco Retail License)
SMC 5.104.180 (Prohibition on sales of flavored tobacco) SMC 5.104.170 (Lawful Business Operation)
SMC 5.104.160 (d) (Comply w/Law)
Police Department Updates – Violations
Additional Violations Seen Often:
SMC 5.104.160 (k) (More than 20% windows covered)
SMC 5.104.190 (Prohibition on sale of intoxicating products) BP 4060 (Possession of prescription drugs w/out prescription) RT 34014 (Sell Cannabis without a permit)
Police Department Updates – Prosecutions
29 – Misdemeanor Convictions
• All received informal probation
• 26 were fined between $500 - $1,000
5 – Pending Cases
Administrative Discussion Items
SMC 5.104.020 "Smoking lounge"
A tobacco retailer that is dedicated in whole or in part to the purchase and onsite consumption of tobacco products, including, but not limited to, establishments known variously as cigar lounges, hookah lounges, tobacco clubs, tobacco bars, etc.
• Licensed pursuant to this chapter may sell the following flavored tobacco products only for on-site consumption:
flavored premium cigars with a wholesale price of $12 each or more, flavored loose-leaf pipe tobacco, flavored shisha/ hookah tobacco.
• Only allow persons 21 years or older on the premises at any time. • Shall not operate as part of a business or in the same business space as an alcoholic beverage sales establishment.
Current Status - Currently in the City of Stockton we do not have any license that falls under the Category Smoking Lounge
Administrative Discussion Items
SMC 5.104.020 "License nontransferable"
A license is nontransferable.
If a license changes ownership
1. The Licensee must obtain a new license reflecting the new owner(s) within 30 days of the ownership change or stop acting as a tobacco retailer.
2. Any applicable exemptions from locational criteria pursuant to Section 5.104070A.32through A.4 shall not apply to the new license.