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Get a permit to sell tobacco products

You need to have a permit to sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

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Costo

Check the fee schedule. You need to pay an application fee and an annual license fee.

Permits do not transfer

New owners must apply for a new tobacco permit. You must report any changes to amount of ownership.

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1. Check to see if your location qualifies for selling tobacco

You may qualify for a permit to sell tobacco products if

  • There are less than 45 existing Tobacco Sales Permits in your Supervisorial District
  • Your location is more than 500 feet from a school
  • Your location is more than 500 feet from other locations permitted to sell tobacco
  • Your location is not a restaurant, bar or tobacco shop
  • Your location was previously occupied by a permitted business

You might also qualify for a permit with an exception. See "Special cases" below.

2. Complete an application packet

Download and fill out the application packet.

3. Include additional documents

  • A Copy of your Business Registration Certificate from the Treasurer & Tax Collector 
  • A Copy of your Cigarette Retailer License. You can get this by:
  • Legal documentation that indicates:
    • Names of all owners, principal officers, and trust beneficiaries
    • Ownership percentages
  • Dates that any owner or officer on the application had a tobacco permit suspended or revoked
  • Declaration of Healthy and Safe Working Conditions document (in application packet)
  • Lease agreement between establishment owner and property owner
  • Documentation that you qualify for a tobacco permit with an exception (see "Special cases" below). Learn more about the exceptions in Chapter 3, Section 2 of these rules.

4. Pay the fees

Check the fee schedule for:

  • The application fee
  • Planning Department’s zoning referral fee (if applicable)

Write a check to "San Francisco Department of Public Health."

Bounced check fees are $50.

5. Mail your application

Gather your materials and send them to:

Environmental Health BranchTobacco Program
49 S Van Ness
Ste 600
San Francisco, CA 94103
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Información complementaria

Casos especiales

If you are buying an existing retail food store or tobacco shop

You may qualify for a tobacco permit if the current permit owner:

  • Is selling the store or shop directly to the new buyer
  • Is connected to a retail food market or tobacco shop
  • Was continuously in business at the specific location from January 18, 2010 to January 18, 2015
  • Has a current and valid permit at the time of direct negotiations

Or

  • The last owner had a valid permit for at least 10 years

If your parent had a tobacco permit

You may qualify for a tobacco permit if:

  • You will use it for your parent's establishment
  • Your parent has a tobacco permit valid as of January 18, 2015

If you got divorced or your spouse/domestic partner passed away

You may qualify for a tobacco permit if:

  • Your spouse or domestic partner passed away
  • You and your spouse or domestic partner divorced

If you are buying a new bar or tavern

You may qualify for a tobacco permit if:

  • The location had a valid permit on January 18, 2010
  • The same Tobacco permit for the location is current and has been active for the last 5 years
  • You are purchasing the business from the current permittee
  • You have made the necessary structural changes to be considered a “historically compliant
    semi-enclosed smoking room". Learn more about this exception in Health code Article 19F, Section 1009.23(d).

Or

  • The last owner had a permit for at least 10 years

If you need to move your shop for seismic retrofitting

You may qualify for a tobacco permit if:

  • You have a valid Public Health retail food store or tobacco permit as of January 18, 2015
  • The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) confirms that you need to relocate for seismic
    retrofitting (Chapter 34B of the Building Code)

Renew your permit

Each year we'll send you an invoice. Renew your permit by paying the annual license fee to the Treasurer & Tax Collector.

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Phone
Voice415-252-3800
Text415-226-9564
Email