County of Monterey Health Department, Tobacco Control Program

County Tobacco Retailer License

A shop that sells tobacco products needs the County Tobacco Retailer License in addition to the state CDTFA cigarette and tobacco license. The county's 2026-27 cover letter says 'The County of Monterey requires a Tobacco Retailer License to sell tobacco products in the unincorporated areas of the County' and that 'the cities of Salinas, Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Gonzales, Seaside, King City, Del Rey Oaks, and Marina require tobacco retailers to hold the County Tobacco Retailer License'. The adopted fee schedule (Resolution No. 26-074, effective July 1, 2026) prices the license at $495 under the label 'County of Monterey Unincorporated Areas', with the footnote '*City fees will follow respective fee ordinances'. The county FAQ says 'Each location that sells tobacco products is required to apply for a tobacco retailer license', that licenses cannot be transferred to another person or location, and that 'Tobacco retailer licenses may only be issued to fixed locations. Mobile vending is prohibited.' The program page carries a notice that the City of Salinas adopted an ordinance banning the issuance of Tobacco Retailer Licenses in Salinas 'effective from June 30, 2026, to June 29, 2027'.