Tobacco Retailer License

On September 1, 2020, the Sebastopol City Council adopted a municipal ordinance regulating tobacco retailers in the City of Sebastopol (Sebastopol Municipal Code, Chapter 8 – Health and Safety). The ordinance requires all retailers in the City of Sebastopol, who sell tobacco products, to register and acquire a Tobacco Retail License from the City on an annual basis. Licenses will be issued each calendar year.

The Sebastopol Police Department is responsible for the registration of tobacco retailers. Applications are now available. After completion and receipt by the Sebastopol Police Department of the application, approved retailers will receive an invoice with the associated fees. Once the application is completed and the fee paid, the respective retailer will receive an approval letter as a tobacco retailer. Failure to complete an application, pay the licensing fee, and obtain a City of Sebastopol Tobacco Retail License may result in a citation(s) and further action(s), up to and including a retailer not being allowed to sell tobacco products at all.

Additionally, the ordinance mandates inspections of all retailers at least three times per year to ensure compliance, and at least one compliance check that involves participation of persons between the ages of 18-20 years old attempting to purchase tobacco products. All retailers and employees are encouraged to read and familiarize themselves with the entire ordinance, which can be found on the City’s website at https://www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us.

To complete the City of Sebastopol Tobacco Retail License Application, please click on the following link.