Fresno City Council proposes citywide tobacco retailer licensing ordinance

The Fresno City Council introduced a proposed ordinance that would require every business selling tobacco, vaping products, or related paraphernalia to obtain a city license tied to a fixed location. Council President Nelson Esparza and Vice President Mike Karbassi presented the plan at a press conference with members of the Fresno County Tobacco‑Free Coalition.

The ordinance aims to strengthen enforcement against illegal sales, especially illegal flavored tobacco and sales to minors, by mandating that only FDA‑approved, California‑listed unflavored products be sold. It would allow the city to seize illegal products, impose escalating penalties, and fund inspections through an annual licensing fee, creating a self‑supporting enforcement program. Fresno is currently the largest California city without a tobacco retailer licensing requirement.