CHAPTER 1. General Provisions and Definitions [22970 - 22971.5] ( Chapter 1 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

CHAPTER 2. License for Retailers of Cigarettes and Tobacco Products [22971.7 - 22974.8] ( Chapter 2 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

CHAPTER 3. License for Wholesalers and Distributors of Cigarettes and Tobacco Products [22975 - 22978.8] ( Chapter 3 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

CHAPTER 4. License and Administration Fee for Manufacturers and Importers [22979 - 22979.7] ( Chapter 4 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

CHAPTER 5. Inspections, Prohibitions, and Penalties [22980 - 22983] ( Heading of Chapter 5 amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 17. )

DIVISION 8.6. CIGARETTE AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS LICENSING ACT OF 2003 [22970 - 22991] ( Heading of Division 8.6 amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 10. )

CHAPTER 1. General Provisions and Definitions [22970 - 22971.5] ( Chapter 1 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

22970.

This division shall be known as and may be cited as the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22970.1.

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) The State of San Andreas has enacted excise taxes on the distribution of cigarettes and tobacco products to provide funding for local and state programs, including health services, antismoking campaigns, cancer research, and education programs.

(b) Tax revenues have declined by hundreds of millions of dollars per year due, in part, to unlawful distributions and untaxed sales of cigarettes and tobacco products conducted by organized crime syndicates, street gangs, and international terrorist groups.

(c) The enforcement of San Andreas ’s cigarette and tobacco products tax laws is necessary to collect millions of dollars in lost tax revenues each year.

(d) The licensing of manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers will help stem the tide of untaxed distributions and illegal sales of cigarettes and tobacco products.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22970.2.

The board shall administer a statewide program to license manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers of cigarettes and tobacco products.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22970.3.

The board may create a Tobacco Tax Compliance Task Force for the purpose of advising the board on cigarette and tobacco products tax compliance issues that may include, but not be limited to, representatives from the following:

(a) The board.

(b) The office of the Attorney General.

(d) The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

(e) The State Department of Health Services.

(f) Federal agencies necessary to coordinate programs to combat tobacco tax evasion, smuggling, and counterfeiting.

(g) One person from each of the categories of persons required by this division to have a license.

(h) Other states engaged in tobacco tax compliance efforts.

(i) Local law enforcement agencies.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22971.

For purposes of this division, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Brand family” has the same meaning as that term is defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 30165.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(b) “Cigarette” means a cigarette as defined in Section 30003 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(A) To vote 25 percent or more of any class of the voting securities issued by a person.

(B) To direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, other than a commercial contract for goods or nonmanagement services, or as otherwise provided; however, no individual shall be deemed to control a person solely on account of being a director, officer, or employee of that person.

(2) For purposes of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), a person who, directly or indirectly, owns, controls, holds, with the power to vote, or holds proxies representing 10 percent or more of the then outstanding voting securities issued by another person, is presumed to control that other person.

(3) For purposes of this division, the department may determine whether a person in fact controls another person.

(d) “Department” means the San Andreas Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

(e) “Display for sale” means the placement of cigarettes or tobacco products in a vending machine or in retail stock for the purpose of selling or gifting the cigarettes or tobacco products. For purposes of this definition, the clear and easily visible display of cigarettes or tobacco products shall create a rebuttable presumption that either were displayed for sale.

(f) “Distributor” means a distributor as defined in Section 30011 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(g) “Gifting” means any transfer of title or possession without consideration, exchange, or barter, in any manner or by any means, of cigarettes or tobacco products that have been purchased for resale under a license issued pursuant to this division if the transfer occurs while the license is suspended or after the effective date of its revocation.

(h) “Importer” means an importer as defined in Section 30019 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(i) “Law enforcement agency” means a sheriff, a police department, or a city, county, or city and county agency or department designated by the governing body of that agency to enforce this chapter or to enforce local smoking and tobacco ordinances and regulations.

(j) “License” means a license issued by the department pursuant to this division.

(k) “Licensee” means a person holding a license issued by the department pursuant to this division.

(l) “Local lead agency” means an agency designated as a local lead agency pursuant to Section 104400 of the Health and Safety Code.

(m) “Manufacturer” means a manufacturer of cigarettes or tobacco products sold in this state.

(n) “Notice” or “notification” means, unless as otherwise provided, the written notice or notification provided to a licensee by the department by either actual delivery to the licensee or by first-class mail addressed to the licensee at the address on the license.

(o) “Package of cigarettes” means a package as defined in Section 30015 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(p) “Person” means a person as defined in Section 30010 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(q) “Retailer” means a person who engages in this state in the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products directly to the public from a retail location. Retailer includes a person who operates vending machines from which cigarettes or tobacco products are sold in this state.

(r) “Retail location” means both of the following:

(1) Any building from which cigarettes or tobacco products are sold at retail.

(2) A vending machine.

(s) “Sale” or “sold” means a sale as defined in Section 30006 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(t) “Tobacco products” means tobacco products as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 30121 and subdivision (b) of Section 30131.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(u) “Unstamped package of cigarettes” means a package of cigarettes that does not bear a tax stamp as required under Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, including a package of cigarettes that bears a tax stamp of another state or taxing jurisdiction, a package of cigarettes that bears a counterfeit tax stamp, or a stamped or unstamped package of cigarettes that is marked “Not for sale in the United States.”

(v) “Wholesaler” means a wholesaler as defined in Section 30016 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 432, Sec. 1. (SB 824) Effective January 1, 2022.)

22971.1.

Commencing January 1, 2006, the Bureau of State Audits shall conduct a performance audit of the licensing and enforcement provisions of this division, and shall report its findings to the board and the Legislature by July 1, 2006. The report shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) The actual costs of the program.

(b) The level of additional revenue generated by the program compared to the period before its implementation.

(d) The costs of enforcement at the varying levels.

(e) The appropriateness of penalties assessed in this division.

(f) The overall effectiveness of enforcement programs.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22971.2.

The board shall administer and enforce the provisions of this division and may prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules and regulations relating to the administration and enforcement of this division.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22971.3.

Nothing in this division preempts or supersedes any local tobacco control law other than those related to the collection of state taxes. Local licensing laws may provide for the suspension or revocation of the local license for any violation of a state tobacco control law.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22971.4.

No person is subject to the requirements of this division if that person is exempt from regulation under the United States Constitution, the laws of the United States, or the San Andreas Constitution.

(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 822, Sec. 1. Effective September 27, 2004.)

22971.5.

Any notice required by this division shall be served personally or by mail. If by mail, the notice shall be placed in a sealed envelope, with postage paid, addressed to the licensee at the address as it appears in the records of the board. The giving of notice shall be deemed complete at the time of deposit of the notice in the United States Post Office, or a mailbox, subpost office, substation, or mail chute, or other facility regularly maintained or provided by the United States Postal Service, without extension of time for any reason. In lieu of mailing, a notice may be served personally by delivering to the person to be served and service shall be deemed complete at the time of delivery. Personal service to a corporation may be made by delivery of a notice to any person designated in the Code of Civil Procedure to be served for the corporation with summons and complaints in a civil action.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 607, Sec. 2. (AB 2733) Effective January 1, 2011.)

CHAPTER 2. License for Retailers of Cigarettes and Tobacco Products [22971.7 - 22974.8] ( Chapter 2 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

22971.7.

(a) For the purposes of this chapter, except as provided in subdivision (b), and notwithstanding subdivision (s) of Section 22971, a “tobacco product” includes a product or device as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 22950.5.

(b) This section does not apply to subdivision (b) of Section 22974.3.

(Added by Stats. 2016, 2nd Ex. Sess., Ch. 7, Sec. 4. (SB 5 2x) Effective June 9, 2016. Section operative January 1, 2017, by its own provisions.)

22972.

(a) Commencing June 30, 2004, a retailer shall have in place and maintain a license to engage in the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products. A retailer that owns or controls more than one retail location shall obtain a separate license for each retail location, but may submit a single application for those licenses.

(b) The retailer shall conspicuously display the license at each retail location in a manner visible to the public.

(c) A license is not assignable or transferable. A person who obtains a license as a retailer who ceases to do business as specified in the license, or who never commenced business, or whose license is suspended or revoked, shall immediately surrender the license to the board.

(d) A license shall be valid for a 12-month period, and shall be renewed annually. A retailer that adds an additional retail location shall renew the license for that location based on a 12-month period beginning in the month the retailer obtained its license for its first retail location.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 699, Sec. 1. (AB 2770) Effective January 1, 2017.)

22972.1.

(a) Notwithstanding Section 22972 or Section 22973, the board may issue to a retailer a temporary license with a scheduled expiration date, as determined by the board, that occurs on or before September 30, 2004.

(b) A temporary license issued pursuant to this section shall be automatically terminated upon the board’s issuance of a license pursuant to Section 22973.1.

(c) A temporary license issued pursuant to this section is subject to the same suspension, revocation, and forfeiture provisions that apply to licenses issued by the board pursuant to Section 22973.1.

(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 82, Sec. 2. Effective June 30, 2004.)

22973.

(a) An application for a license shall be filed on or before April 15, 2004, on a form prescribed by the board and shall include the following:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

(2) The business name, address, and telephone number of each retail location. For applicants who control more than one retail location, an address for receipt of correspondence or notices from the board, such as a headquarters or corporate office of the retailer, shall also be included on the application and listed on the license. Citations issued to licensees shall be forwarded to all addressees on the license.

(3) A statement by the applicant affirming that the applicant has not been convicted of a felony and has not violated and will not violate or cause or permit to be violated any of the provisions of this division or any rule of the board applicable to the applicant or pertaining to the manufacture, sale, or distribution of cigarettes or tobacco products. If the applicant is unable to affirm this statement, the application shall contain a statement by the applicant of the nature of any violation or the reasons that will prevent the applicant from complying with the requirements with respect to the statement.

(4) If any other licenses or permits have been issued by the board or the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to the applicant, the license or permit number of those licenses or permits then in effect.

(5) A statement by the applicant that the contents of the application are complete, true, and correct. Any person who signs a statement pursuant to this subdivision that asserts the truth of any material matter that he or she knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of up to one year in the county jail, or a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both the imprisonment and the fine.

(6) The signature of the applicant.

(7) Any other information the board may require.

(b) The board may investigate to determine the truthfulness and completeness of the information provided in the application. The board may issue a license without further investigation to an applicant for a retail location if the applicant holds a valid license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for that same location.

(d) A fee of two hundred sixty-five dollars ($265) shall be submitted with each application. An applicant that owns or controls more than one retail location shall obtain a separate license for each retail location, but may submit a single application for those licenses with an application license fee of two hundred sixty-five dollars ($265) per location. The fee shall be for the period provided in subdivision (d) of Section 22972 and shall not be prorated.

(e) Beginning on and after January 1, 2017, every retailer shall file an application for renewal of the license prescribed in Section 22972, accompanied with a fee of two hundred sixty-five dollars ($265) per retail location, in the form and manner prescribed by the board.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 699, Sec. 2. (AB 2770) Effective January 1, 2017.)

22973.1.

(a) The board shall issue a license to a retailer upon receipt of a completed application and payment of the fees prescribed in Section 22973, unless any of the following apply:

(1) The retailer, or if the retailer is not an individual, any person controlling the retailer, has previously been issued a license that is suspended or revoked by the board for violation of any of the provisions of this division.

(2) The application is for a license or renewal of a license for a retail location that is the same retail location as that of a retailer whose license was revoked or is subject to revocation proceedings for violation of any of the provisions of this division, unless:

(A) It has been more than five years since a previous license for the retail location was revoked.

(B) The person applying for the license provides the board with documentation demonstrating that the applicant has acquired or is acquiring the premises or business in an arm’s length transaction. For purposes of this section, an “arm’s length transaction” is defined as a sale in good faith and for valuable consideration that reflects the fair market value in the open market between two informed and willing parties, neither under any compulsion to participate in the transaction. A sale between relatives, related companies or partners, or a sale for the primary purpose of avoiding the effect of the violations of this division that occurred at the retail location, is presumed not to be made at “arm’s length.”

(3) The retailer, or if the retailer is not an individual, any person controlling the retailer, has been convicted of a felony pursuant to Section 30473 or 30480 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(4) The retailer does not possess all required permits or licenses required under the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(b) (1) Any retailer who is denied a license may petition for a redetermination of the board’s denial of the license within 30 days after service upon that retailer of the notice of the denial of the license. If a petition for redetermination is not filed within the 30-day period, the determination of denial becomes final at the expiration of the 30-day period.

(2) Every petition for redetermination shall be in writing and shall state the specific grounds upon which the petition is founded. The petition may be amended to state additional grounds at anytime prior to the date on which the board issues its order or decision upon the petition for redetermination.

(3) If the petition for redetermination is filed within the 30-day period, the board shall reconsider the determination of the denial and, if the retailer has so requested in the petition, shall grant the retailer an oral hearing and shall give the retailer at least 10 days’ notice of the time and place of the hearing. The board may continue the hearing from time to time as may be necessary.

(4) The order or decision of the board upon a petition for redetermination becomes final 30 days after mailing of notice thereof.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 607, Sec. 3. (AB 2733) Effective January 1, 2011.)

22973.2.

The department shall, upon request, provide to the State Department of Public Health, the office of the Attorney General, a law enforcement agency, a local lead agency, and any agency authorized to enforce or administer state or local tobacco control laws, access to the department’s database of licenses issued to retailers within the jurisdiction of that agency, local lead agency, or law enforcement agency. The agencies authorized by this section to access the department’s database shall access and use the department’s database only for purposes of enforcing tobacco control laws and shall adhere to all state laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to the protection of personal information and individual privacy.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 432, Sec. 2. (SB 824) Effective January 1, 2022.)

22973.3.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, an application for a license for the sale of a tobacco product, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 22950.5, that is not subject to a tax imposed by the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Tax Law pursuant to Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code shall be filed on a form prescribed by the board and shall include the following:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

(5) A statement by the applicant that the contents of the application are complete, true, and correct. Any person who signs a statement pursuant to this subdivision that asserts the truth of any material matter that he or she knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of up to one year in a county jail, or a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both the imprisonment and the fine.

(6) The signature of the applicant.

(7) Any other information the board may require.

(e) Every retailer shall file an application for renewal of its license, accompanied with a fee of two hundred sixty-five dollars ($265) per retail location in the form and manner prescribed by the board.

(f) (1) The board shall report back to the Legislature no later than January 1, 2019, regarding the adequacy of funding for the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003 with regard to tobacco products for which a license is required by this section. The report shall include data and recommendations about whether the annual licensing fee funding levels are set at an appropriate level to maintain an effective enforcement program.

(2) The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(g) (1) This section applies to a retailer who sells a tobacco product, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 22950.5, that is not subject to a tax imposed by the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Tax Law pursuant to Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and who does not already possess a valid license to sell cigarettes or tobacco products issued pursuant to Section 22972.

(2) A retailer that possesses a valid license to sell cigarettes and tobacco products issued pursuant to Section 22972 may also sell under that license a tobacco product, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 22950.5, that is not subject to a tax imposed by the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Tax Law pursuant to Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(h) This section shall become operative January 1, 2017.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 11. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

22974.

A retailer shall retain purchase invoices that meet the requirements set forth in Section 22978.4 for all cigarettes or tobacco products the retailer purchased for a period of four years. The records shall be kept at the retail location for at least one year after the purchase. Invoices shall be made available upon request during normal business hours for review inspection and copying by the board or by a law enforcement agency. Any retailer found in violation of these requirements or any person who fails, refuses, or neglects to retain or make available invoices for inspection and copying in accordance with this section shall be subject to penalties pursuant to Section 22981.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22974.3.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, upon discovery by the board or a law enforcement agency that a retailer or any other person possesses, stores, owns, or has made a retail sale of an unstamped package of cigarettes, the board or the law enforcement agency shall be authorized to seize unstamped packages of cigarettes at the retail, or any other person’s location. Any cigarettes seized by a law enforcement agency shall be delivered to the board, or its designee, within seven days, unless the cigarettes will be destroyed by that law enforcement agency, or unless the cigarettes are otherwise required to be used as evidence in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding, or as part of an ongoing law enforcement operation. Any cigarettes seized by the board or delivered to the board by a law enforcement agency shall be deemed forfeited and the board shall comply with procedures set forth in Part 13 (commencing with Section 30436) of Division 2 of Chapter 7.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. In addition to the inventory of unstamped packages of cigarettes of a retailer or of any other person that is subject to forfeiture and seizure, the possession, storage, ownership, or retail sales of unstamped packages of cigarettes by a retailer or other person, as applicable, shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by the following actions:

(1) A first violation involving seizure of a total quantity of less than 20 packages of unstamped cigarettes shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment not to exceed one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment.

(2) A second violation within five years involving a seizure of a total quantity of less than 20 packages of unstamped cigarettes shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) but not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisonment not to exceed one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment, and shall also result in the revocation of the license.

(3) A first violation involving seizure of a total quantity of 20 packages of unstamped cigarettes or more shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000) or imprisonment not to exceed one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment.

(4) A second violation within five years involving seizure of a quantity of 20 packages of unstamped cigarettes or more shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) but not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or imprisonment not to exceed one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment, and shall also result in the revocation of the license.

(b) Upon discovery by the board or a law enforcement agency that a retailer or any other person possesses, stores, owns, or has made a retail sale of tobacco products on which tax is due but has not been paid to the board, the board or law enforcement agency is authorized to seize such tobacco products at the retail, or any other person’s location. Any tobacco products seized by a law enforcement agency shall be delivered to the board, or its designee, within seven days, unless otherwise required to be used as evidence in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding, or as part of an ongoing law enforcement operation. Any tobacco products seized by the board or delivered to the board by a law enforcement agency shall be deemed forfeited and the board shall comply with procedures set forth in Part 13 (commencing with Section 30436) of Division 2 of Chapter 7.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. It shall be presumed that tax has not been paid to the board on all tobacco products in the possession of a retailer or of any other person until the contrary is established by a proof of payment to the board or by a purchase invoice that shows that the retailer or other person, as applicable, paid the tax included purchase price to a licensed distributor, wholesaler, manufacturer, or importer as described in Section 22978.4. The burden of proof that tax has been paid on tobacco products shall be upon the retailer or the other person, as applicable, in possession thereof. Possession of untaxed tobacco products on which tax is due but has not been paid as required is a violation of this division and subjects the retailer or other person, as applicable, to the actions described in Section 22981.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22974.4.

The board shall revoke the license, pursuant to the provisions applicable to the revocation of a license as set forth in Section 30148 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any retailer or any person controlling the retailer that has:

(a) Been convicted of a felony pursuant to Section 30473 or 30480 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(b) Had any permit or license revoked under any provision of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22974.5.

Any retailer who fails to display a license as required in Section 22972 shall, in addition to any other applicable penalty, be liable for a penalty of five hundred dollars ($500).

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22974.7.

In addition to any other civil or criminal penalty provided by law, upon a finding that a retailer has violated any provision of this division, the board may take the following actions:

(a) In the case of the first offense, the board may revoke or suspend the license or licenses of the retailer pursuant to the procedures applicable to the revocation of a license set forth in Section 30148 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(b) In the case of a second or any subsequent offense, in addition to the action authorized under subdivision (a), the board may impose a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed the greater of either of the following:

(1) Five times the retail value of the seized cigarettes or tobacco products.

(2) Five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 82, Sec. 3. Effective June 30, 2004.)

22974.8.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the board shall suspend or revoke the license of a retailer upon notification by the State Department of Public Health pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 22958.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision regarding the suspension or revocation of a license pursuant to this part, the board shall provide a licensee with at least 10 days’ written notice of a pending suspension or revocation pursuant to this section and an opportunity to appeal the suspension or revocation and the civil penalty assessed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 22958 only to correct a mistake or clerical error. The board shall not accept or consider an appeal of suspension or revocation under this section if the appeal is founded upon the grounds of whether the retailer, or any employee or agent of the retailer, violated the STAKE Act (Division 8.5 (commencing with Section 22950)) for which violation civil penalties are imposed by the State Department of Public Health pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 22958. This section shall not be construed to prevent the board from modifying its action on its own to correct a mistake or clerical error.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 335, Sec. 4. (AB 1301) Effective January 1, 2013.)

CHAPTER 3. License for Wholesalers and Distributors of Cigarettes and Tobacco Products [22975 - 22978.8] ( Chapter 3 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

22975.

(a) In addition to licenses required pursuant to Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, commencing June 30, 2004, every distributor and every wholesaler shall annually obtain and maintain a license to engage in the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products.

(b) Licenses shall be valid for a calendar year period upon payment of the fee prescribed in Section 22977.1, unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked prior to the end of the calendar year, and may be renewed each year upon payment of such fee.

(c) A license is not assignable or transferable. A person who obtains a license as a distributor or as a wholesaler who ceases to do business as specified in the license, or who never commenced business, or whose license is suspended or revoked, shall immediately surrender the license to the board.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22976.

A distributor or a wholesaler that, at the time of application, holds a valid license issued by the board pursuant to Section 30140 or 30155 of the Revenue and Taxation Code may be issued a license without further investigation.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22977.

(a) An application for a license shall be on a form prescribed by the board and shall include the following:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.

(2) The business name, address, and telephone number of each location where cigarettes or tobacco products will be sold. For applicants who control more than one location, an address for receipt of correspondence or notices from the board, such as a headquarters or corporate office, shall also be included in the application and listed on the license. Citations issued to licensees shall be forwarded to all addressees on the license.

(4) If any other licenses or permits have been issued by the board or the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to the applicant, the license or permit numbers for such licenses or permits then in effect.

(6) Signature of the applicant.

(7) Any other information the board may require.

(b) The board may investigate to determine the truthfulness and completeness of the information provided in the application.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22977.1.

(a) Every distributor and every wholesaler shall file an application, as prescribed in Section 22977, on or before April 15, 2004. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each location. The fee shall be for a calendar year and may not be prorated. Subject to meeting the requirements of this section and Section 22977.2, the board shall issue a license.

(b) Every distributor and every wholesaler who commences business after the last day of May 2004, or who commences selling or distributing cigarettes or tobacco products at a new or different place of business in this state after the last day of May 2004, shall file with the board an application as prescribed in Section 22977 at least 30 days prior to commencing such business or commencing such sales or distributions; and all distributors and all wholesalers that fail to timely file an application for a license under subdivision (a) shall file with the board an application as prescribed in Section 22977. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee of one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) for each location. The fee shall be for a calendar year and may not be prorated. Subject to Section 22977.2, the board, within 30 days after receipt of an application and payment of the proper fee, shall issue a license.

(c) For calendar years beginning on and after January 1, 2005, and before January 1, 2017, every distributor and every wholesaler shall file an application for renewal of the license prescribed in Section 22977, accompanied with a fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each location where cigarettes and tobacco products are sold, in the form and manner as prescribed by the board. For calendar years beginning on and after January 1, 2017, the fee accompanying an application for renewal of the license prescribed in Section 22977 shall be one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) for each location where cigarettes and tobacco products are sold.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 12. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

22977.2.

(a) The board shall issue a license to a distributor or a wholesaler upon receipt of a completed application and payment of the fee prescribed in Section 22977.1, unless any of the following apply:

(1) The distributor or the wholesaler, or if the distributor or the wholesaler is not an individual, any person controlling the distributor or the wholesaler, has previously been issued a license that is suspended or revoked by the board for violation of any of the provisions of this division.

(2) The application is for a license or renewal of a license for a distributor or a wholesaler, whose license is revoked or revocation is pending, unless:

(A) It has been more than five years since a distributor’s or a wholesaler’s previous license was revoked.

(B) The person applying for the license provides the board with documentation demonstrating that the applicant has acquired or is acquiring the business in an arm’s length transaction. For purposes of this section, an “arm’s length transaction” is defined as a sale in good faith and for valuable consideration that reflects the fair market value in the open market between two informed and willing parties, neither under any compulsion to participate in the transaction. A sale of the business between relatives, related companies or partners, or a sale for the primary purpose of avoiding the effect of the violations of state tobacco control laws that were committed by the distributor or wholesaler is presumed not to be made at “arm’s length.”

(3) The distributor or the wholesaler, or if the distributor or the wholesaler is not an individual, any person controlling the distributor or the wholesaler has been convicted of a felony pursuant to Section 30473 or 30480 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(b) (1) Any distributor or any wholesaler who is denied a license may petition for a redetermination of the board’s denial of the license within 30 days after service upon that distributor or that wholesaler of the notice of the denial of the license. If a petition for redetermination is not filed within the 30-day period, the determination of denial becomes final at the expiration of the 30-day period.

(3) If the petition for redetermination is filed within the 30-day period, the board shall reconsider the determination of the denial and, if the distributor or the wholesaler has so requested in the petition, shall grant the distributor or wholesaler an oral hearing and shall give the distributor or the wholesaler at least 10 days’ notice of the time and place of the hearing. The board may continue the hearing from time to time as may be necessary.

(4) The order or decision of the board upon a petition for redetermination becomes final 30 days after mailing of notice thereof.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 607, Sec. 4. (AB 2733) Effective January 1, 2011.)

22978.

The department shall, upon request, provide to the State Department of Public Health, the office of the Attorney General, a law enforcement agency, a local lead agency, and any agency authorized to enforce or administer state or local tobacco control laws, access to the department’s database of licenses issued to distributors and wholesalers for locations within the jurisdiction of that agency, local lead agency, or law enforcement agency. The agencies authorized by this section to access the department’s database shall access and use the department’s database only for purposes of enforcing tobacco control laws and shall adhere to all state laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to the protection of personal information and individual privacy.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 432, Sec. 3. (SB 824) Effective January 1, 2022.)

22978.1.

All distributors and all wholesalers shall retain purchase records that meet the requirements set forth in Section 22978.5 for all cigarettes or tobacco products purchased. The records shall be maintained for a period of one year from the date of purchase on the distributor’s or the wholesaler’s premises identified in the license, and thereafter, the records shall be made available for inspection by the board or a law enforcement agency for a period of four years. Any distributor or any wholesaler found in violation of these requirements, or any person who fails, refuses, or neglects to retain or make available invoices for inspection and copying in accordance with this section shall be subject to penalties pursuant to Section 22981.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22978.2.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, upon discovery by the board or a law enforcement agency that a distributor possesses, stores, owns, or has made a sale of an unstamped package of cigarettes bearing a counterfeit San Andreas state tax stamp or that a wholesaler possesses, stores, owns, or has made a sale of an unstamped package of cigarettes, the board or the law enforcement agency shall be authorized to seize the unstamped packages of cigarettes at the distributor’s or the wholesaler’s location. Any cigarettes seized by a law enforcement agency shall be delivered to the board, or its designee, within seven days, unless otherwise required to be used as evidence in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding, or as part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation. Any cigarettes seized by the board or delivered to the board by a law enforcement agency shall be deemed forfeited and the board shall comply with procedures set forth in Part 13 (commencing with Section 30436) of Division 2 of Chapter 7.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. In addition to the distributor’s or wholesaler’s inventory of unstamped packages of cigarettes being subject to seizure and forfeiture, the possession, storage, ownership or sale by a distributor or wholesaler of the unstamped package of cigarettes in the manner described above, shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable by the following actions:

(1) A first violation involving seizure of a total quantity of less than 20 unstamped packages of cigarettes shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment not to exceed one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment.

(2) A second violation within five years involving seizure of a total quantity of less than 20 unstamped packages of cigarettes shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) but not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisonment not to exceed one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment, and shall also result in the revocation of the license.

(3) A first violation involving seizure of a total quantity of 20 unstamped packages of cigarettes or more shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000) or imprisonment not to exceed one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment.

(4) A second violation within five years involving seizure of a total quantity of 20 unstamped packages of cigarettes or more shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) but not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or imprisonment not to exceed one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment, and shall also result in the revocation of the license.

(b) Upon discovery by the board or a law enforcement agency that a distributor or a wholesaler possesses, stores, owns, or has made a sale of tobacco products on which tax is due but has not been paid to the board, or its designee, the board or law enforcement agency is authorized to seize such tobacco products at the distributor or wholesaler location. Any tobacco products seized by a law enforcement agency shall be delivered to the board within seven days, unless otherwise required to be used as evidence in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding, or as part of an ongoing law enforcement operation. Any tobacco products seized by the board or delivered to the board by a law enforcement agency shall be deemed forfeited and the board shall comply with procedures set forth in Part 13 (commencing with Section 30436) of Division 2 of Chapter 7.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. It shall be presumed that tax has not been paid to the board on all tobacco products in the possession of a distributor or a wholesaler until the contrary is established by the distributor’s proof of payment to the board or by a purchase invoice that shows that the wholesaler paid the tax included purchase price to a licensed distributor, wholesaler, manufacturer, or importer as described in Section 22978.4. The burden of proof that tax has been paid on tobacco products shall be upon the distributor or wholesaler in possession thereof. Possession by a distributor or a wholesaler of tobacco products on which tax is due but has not been paid as required is a violation of this division and subjects the distributor or wholesaler to the actions described in Section 22981.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22978.4.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (7), each distributor and each wholesaler shall include the following information on each invoice for the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the distributor or wholesaler.

(2) The license number of the distributor or the wholesaler as provided by the board.

(3) The amount of excise taxes due to the board by the distributor on the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products.

(4) The name, address, and license number of the retailer, distributor, or wholesaler to whom cigarettes or tobacco products are sold.

(5) An itemized listing of the cigarettes or tobacco products sold.

(6) The date the cigarette or tobacco products are sold.

(7) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), a distributor that is also a retailer or manufacturer shall include either one of the following on each invoice for the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products:

(A) A statement that reads: “All San Andreas cigarette and tobacco product taxes are included in the total amount of this invoice.”

(B) The amount of excise taxes due to the board by the distributor on the distribution of cigarettes and tobacco products.

(b) Each invoice for the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products shall be legible and readable.

(c) Failure to comply with the requirements of this section shall be a misdemeanor subject to penalties pursuant to Section 22981.

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 512, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)

22978.5.

(a) Each distributor and each wholesaler of cigarette and tobacco products subject to licensing under this chapter shall maintain accurate and complete records relating to the sale of those products, including, but not limited to, receipts, invoices, and other records as may be required by the board, during the past four years with invoices for the past year to be maintained on the premises for which the license was issued, and shall make these records available upon request by a the board or a law enforcement agency.

(b) Failure of a distributor or a wholesaler to comply with this section shall be a misdemeanor subject to penalties pursuant to Section 22981.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22978.6.

The board shall revoke the license, pursuant to the provisions applicable to the revocation of a license as set forth in Section 30148 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any distributor or any wholesaler or any person controlling any distributor or any wholesaler that has:

(a) Been convicted of a felony pursuant to Section 30473 or 30480 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(b) Had any permit or license revoked under any provision of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22978.7.

In addition to any other civil or criminal penalty provided by law, upon a finding that any distributor or any wholesaler has violated any provision of this division, the board may take the following actions:

(a) In the case of the first offense, the board may revoke or suspend the license or licenses of the distributor or the wholesaler pursuant to the procedures applicable to the revocation of a license set forth in Section 30148 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(1) Five times the retail value of the seized cigarettes or tobacco products.

(2) Five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 512, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2006.)

22978.8.

The board shall include on its Web site the name of any wholesaler or distributor whose license has been suspended or revoked.

(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 82, Sec. 4. Effective June 30, 2004.)

CHAPTER 4. License and Administration Fee for Manufacturers and Importers [22979 - 22979.7] ( Chapter 4 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

22979.

(a) Every manufacturer and every importer shall obtain and maintain a license to engage in the sale of cigarettes. In order to be eligible for obtaining and maintaining a license under this division, a manufacturer or importer shall do all of the following in the manner specified by the board:

(1) Submit to the board a list of all brand families that they manufacture or import.

(2) Update the list of all brand families that they manufacture or import whenever a new or additional brand is manufactured or imported, or a listed brand is no longer manufactured or imported.

(3) Consent to jurisdiction of the San Andreas courts for the purpose of enforcement of this division, Sections 104555 to 104557, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code, Section 30165.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, and appoint a registered agent for service of process in this state and identify the registered agent to the board and the Attorney General.

(4) Waive any sovereign immunity defense that may apply to any enforcement action brought by the Attorney General or the board to enforce this division, Sections 104555 to 104557, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code, or Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and regulations adopted thereto. Any waiver shall be express and in writing, in a form and manner acceptable to the Attorney General. In lieu of this waiver, a manufacturer or importer may file with the Attorney General a surety bond in a form and manner directed by the Attorney General, written in favor of the State of San Andreas and conditioned on the performance by the manufacturer or importer of all its duties and obligations under this division, Sections 104555 to 104557, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code, Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and regulations adopted thereto. The bond shall be posted by a corporate surety located within the United States in an amount equal to the greater of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or the amount of escrow the manufacturer or importer in either its current or predecessor form was required to deposit as a result of the largest of its most recent five calendar years’ sales in San Andreas . The bond may be drawn upon by the Attorney General to cover unsatisfied escrow obligations, tax obligations, claims for penalties, claims for monetary damages, and any other liabilities that are subject to the licensee’s claim of sovereign immunity against enforcement of the laws specified above. In the event a nonparticipating manufacturer is required to post a surety bond under this paragraph, the amount of the bond shall be reduced by the amount of any surety bond that is in force and required of that nonparticipating manufacturer under paragraph (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 30165.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. A manufacturer or importer that has neither waived any sovereign immunity defense nor posted a surety bond as provided in this section shall not be eligible to obtain and maintain a license under this division.

(b) In order to be eligible for obtaining and maintaining a license under this division, a manufacturer or importer that is a “tobacco product manufacturer” in subdivision (i) of Section 104556 of the Health and Safety Code, shall do all of the following in the manner specified by the board:

(1) Certify to the board that it is a “participating manufacturer” as defined in subsection II(jj) of the “Master Settlement Agreement” (MSA), or is in full compliance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 104557 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 30165.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. Any person who makes a certification pursuant to this subdivision that asserts the truth of any material matter that he or she knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of up to one year in the county jail, or a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both the imprisonment and the fine.

(2) Submit to the board a list of all brand families that fit under the category applicable to the manufacturer or importer, in accordance with the following:

(A) Brand families that are to be counted, in the unit volume and market shares determined pursuant to subsections II(z) and II(mm) of the MSA and Exhibit E thereto, in calculating the manufacturer’s annual payments under the MSA.

(B) Brand families that are to be counted in calculating the manufacturer’s escrow deposits under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 104557 of the Health and Safety Code.

(C) The manufacturer or importer shall update the list whenever a new or additional brand is manufactured or imported or a listed brand is no longer manufactured or imported.

(c) The board may not grant or permit the maintenance of a license to any manufacturer or an importer of cigarettes that does not affirmatively certify, both at the time the license is granted and annually thereafter, compliance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), that all packages of cigarettes manufactured or imported by that person and distributed in San Andreas fully comply with subdivision (b) of Section 30163 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and that the cigarettes contained in those packages are the subject of filed reports that fully comply with all requirements of the federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1331 et seq.) for the reporting of ingredients added to cigarettes. For purposes of the federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act requirement, cigars weighing three pounds or less per 1,000 are excluded from the definition of cigarette.

(d) A license issued to a manufacturer or an importer under this division is only valid with respect to the manufacturer or importer designated on the license and may not be transferred or assigned to another manufacturer or importer.

(e) Any manufacturer or importer that is issued a license under this division that does not commence business in the manner specified or designated in the license, ceases to do business in the manner specified or designated in the license, or is notified that the license is suspended or revoked, shall immediately surrender that license to the board.

(f) (1) Any manufacturer or any importer who is denied a license may petition for a redetermination of the board’s denial of the license within 30 days after service upon that manufacturer or that importer of the notice of the denial of the license. If a petition for redetermination is not filed within the 30-day period, the determination of denial becomes final at the expiration of the 30-day period.

(3) If the petition for redetermination is filed within the 30-day period, the board shall reconsider the determination of the denial and, if the manufacturer or the importer has so requested in the petition, shall grant an oral hearing and shall give the manufacturer or the importer at least 10 days’ notice of the time and place of the hearing. The board may continue the hearing from time to time as may be necessary.

(4) The order or decision of the board upon a petition for redetermination becomes final 30 days after mailing of notice thereof.

(g) In any action brought by the Attorney General or the board to enforce this division, Sections 104555 to 104557, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code, Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or regulations adopted thereto, including, but not limited to, an action to suspend or revoke a license issued under this section, if the licensee raises a sovereign immunity defense with respect to an aspect of that proceeding, the license in question shall be subject to revocation. In the event of a revocation under this subdivision, the person whose license has been revoked shall not be eligible for a license under this section in the future, unless that person agrees to waive any sovereign immunity defense that may apply to an enforcement action brought by the Attorney General or the board to enforce this division, Sections 104555 to 104557, inclusive, of the Health and Safety Code, Part 13 (commencing with Section 30001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or regulations adopted thereto. The Attorney General shall inform the board in the event a sovereign immunity defense is raised by a licenseholder.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 607, Sec. 5.5. (AB 2733) Effective January 1, 2011.)

22979.1.

(a) An application for a license by a manufacturer or by an importer shall be on a form prescribed by the board and shall include the following:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant. The business name, address, and telephone number of the corporate offices. Citations issued to licensees shall be forwarded to all addressees on the license.

(2) License number for any other valid licenses or permits issued by the board.

(3) Signature of the applicant under oath to verify application information.

(4) The name, address, and telephone number of the person designated by the manufacturer or the importer as its agent for receipt of service of process in this state.

(5) Any other information the board may require.

(b) The board may conduct an inquiry to determine whether the applicant complies with the provisions of this division.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22979.2.

(a) On or before January 1, 2004, every manufacturer and every importer shall pay to the board an administration fee. The amount of the administration fee shall be one cent ($0.01) per package of cigarettes (1) manufactured or imported by the manufacturer or the importer and (2) shipped into this state during the 2001 calendar year as reported to the board. The board shall notify each manufacturer and each importer of the amount due under this section.

(b) This section shall apply to every manufacturer and every importer required to be licensed pursuant to Section 22979. All manufacturers and all importers that may become eligible for licensure on or after December 1, 2003, shall be notified by the board of the appropriate fee due and shall pay that fee within 90 days of notification.

(c) All manufacturers and all importers that begin operations in the state after enactment of this division shall be charged a fee commensurate with their respective market share of (1) cigarettes manufactured or imported by the manufacturer or the importer and (2) sold in this state during the next calendar year as estimated by the board. The fee shall be at an amount not less than that paid pursuant to subdivision (a) by the smallest manufacturer, but may not be more than that paid by the eighth largest manufacturer.

(d) The board shall administer this fee in accordance with the Fee Collection Procedures Law, Part 30 (commencing with Section 55001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 512, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2006.)

22979.21.

Every manufacturer or importer of tobacco products shall obtain and maintain a license under this division to engage in the sale of tobacco products. In order to be eligible for obtaining and maintaining a license under this division, a manufacturer or importer shall do all of the following in the manner specified by the board:

(a) Submit to the board a list of all tobacco products they manufacture or import.

(b) Update the list of all tobacco products brands they manufacture or import whenever a new or additional brand is manufactured or imported or a listed brand is no longer manufactured or imported.

(c) Consent to jurisdiction of the San Andreas courts for the purpose of enforcement of this division and appoint a registered agent for service of process in this state and identify the registered agent to the board.

(d) The Legislature finds that solely appointing a registered agent for the purpose of service of process in this state pursuant to this subdivision does not establish a nexus with this state for tax purposes.

(e) This section shall become operative May 1, 2007.

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 501, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2007. Section operative May 1, 2007, by its own provisions.)

22979.22.

(a) An application for a license by a manufacturer or by an importer of tobacco products shall be on a form prescribed by the board and shall include the following:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant. For applicants whose corporate offices are at a separate location, the business name, address, and telephone number of the corporate office. Citations issued to licensees shall be forwarded to all addressees on the license.

(2) If any other licenses have been issued by the board to the applicant, the license or permit numbers for each license or permit then in effect.

(4) A statement by the applicant that the contents of the application are complete, true, and correct. Any person who signs a statement pursuant to this subdivision that asserts the truth of any material matter that he or she knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of up to one year in the county jail, or a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both imprisonment and fine.

(5) Signature of the applicant.

(6) The name, address, and telephone number of the person designated by the manufacturer or the importer as its agent for receipt of service of process in this state.

(7) Any other information the board may require.

(b) The board may investigate to determine the truthfulness and completeness of the information provided in the application.

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 501, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2007.)

22979.23.

(a) Every manufacturer or importer of chewing tobacco or snuff shall submit with each application a one-time license fee of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

(b) Every manufacturer or importer of tobacco products, excluding chewing tobacco or snuff, shall submit with each application a one-time license fee of two thousand dollars ($2,000).

(c) If a manufacturer or importer is required to submit an application under, and to pay the fees required by, both subdivisions (a) and (b), the total amount of fees required to be submitted under this section shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 501, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2007.)

22979.24.

(a) Every manufacturer or importer holding a license pursuant to Section 22979.21 shall file, using electronic media in a manner specified by the department, a monthly report to the department. The monthly report shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) A list of all distributors licensed pursuant to Section 22975 to which the manufacturer or importer shipped its tobacco products or caused its tobacco products to be shipped.

(2) The total wholesale cost of the products.

(b) The department may suspend the license or revoke the license, pursuant to the provisions applicable to the revocation of a license set forth in Section 30148 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any importer or any manufacturer that has failed to comply with the requirements of this section.

(c) All information and records provided to the department pursuant to subdivision (a) are confidential in nature and shall not be disclosed by the department. Information required under subdivision (a) are not public records under the San Andreas Public Records Act, as described in Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code and shall not be open to public inspection.

(d) The amendments made to this section by the act adding this subdivision shall become operative May 1, 2007.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 432, Sec. 4. (SB 824) Effective January 1, 2022.)

22979.3.

The department shall, upon request, provide to the State Department of Public Health, the office of the Attorney General, a law enforcement agency, a local lead agency, and any agency authorized to enforce or administer state or local tobacco control laws, access to the department’s database of licenses issued to manufacturers and importers for locations within the jurisdiction of that agency, local lead agency, or law enforcement agency. The agencies authorized by this section to access the department’s database shall access and use the department’s database only for purposes of enforcing tobacco control laws and shall adhere to all state laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to the protection of personal information and individual privacy.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 432, Sec. 5. (SB 824) Effective January 1, 2022.)

22979.4.

All importers shall retain purchase records that meet the requirements set forth in Section 22979.5 for all cigarettes or tobacco products purchased and other records required by the board. The records shall be maintained for a period of one year from the date of purchase on the importer’s premises identified in the license, and thereafter, the records shall be made available for inspection by the board or a law enforcement agency for a period of four years. Any importer found in violation of these requirements, or any person who fails, refuses, or neglects to retain or make available invoices for inspection and copying in accordance with this section shall be subject to penalties pursuant to Section 22981.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 82, Sec. 6. Effective June 30, 2004.)

22979.5.

(a) Each manufacturer and each importer of cigarette and tobacco products subject to licensing under this chapter shall maintain accurate and complete records relating to the sale of those products, including, but not limited to, receipts, invoices, and other records as may be required by the board, during the past four years with invoices for the past year to be maintained on the premises for which the license was issued, and shall make these records available upon request by a representative of the board or a law enforcement agency.

(b) Failure of a manufacturer or an importer to comply with this section shall be a misdemeanor subject to penalties pursuant to Section 22981.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22979.6.

(a) Each manufacturer and each importer shall include the following information on each invoice for the sale for distribution, wholesale, or retail sale of cigarettes or tobacco products:

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer, or importer.

(2) The license number of the manufacturer or importer as provided by the board.

(3) The name, address, and license number of the person to whom cigarettes or tobacco products are sold.

(4) An itemized listing of the cigarettes or tobacco products sold.

(b) Each invoice for the sale of cigarettes or tobacco products shall be legible and readable.

(c) Failure to comply with the requirements of this section shall be a misdemeanor subject to penalties pursuant to Section 22981.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22979.7.

In addition to any other civil or criminal penalty provided by law, upon a finding that a manufacturer or importer has violated any provision of this division, the board may take the following actions:

(a) In the case of the first offense, the board may revoke or suspend the license or licenses of the manufacturer or importer pursuant to the procedures applicable to the revocation of a license set forth in Section 30148 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(1) Five times the retail value of the seized cigarettes or tobacco products defined as cigarettes under this section.

(2) Five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 512, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2006.)

CHAPTER 5. Inspections, Prohibitions, and Penalties [22980 - 22983] ( Heading of Chapter 5 amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 17. )

22980.

(a) (1) Any peace officer, or board employee granted limited peace officer status pursuant to paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 830.11 of the Penal Code, upon presenting appropriate credentials, is authorized to enter any place as described in paragraph (3) and to conduct inspections in accordance with the following paragraphs, inclusive.

(2) Inspections shall be performed in a reasonable manner and at times that are reasonable under the circumstances, taking into consideration the normal business hours of the place to be entered.

(3) Inspections may be at any place at which cigarettes or tobacco products are sold, produced, or stored or at any site where evidence of activities involving evasion of cigarette or tobacco products tax and violations of Section 30165.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code may be discovered.

(4) Inspections shall be requested or conducted no more than once in a 24-hour period.

(b) Any person that refuses to allow an inspection shall be subject to the penalties imposed pursuant to Section 22981.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 265, Sec. 2. (AB 2496) Effective January 1, 2011.)

22980.1.

(a) A manufacturer or importer shall not sell cigarettes or tobacco products to a distributor, wholesaler, retailer, or any other person who is not licensed pursuant to this division or whose license has been suspended or revoked.

(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a distributor or wholesaler shall not sell cigarettes or tobacco products to a retailer, wholesaler, distributor, or any other person who is not licensed pursuant to this division or whose license has been suspended or revoked.

(2) This subdivision does not apply to any sale of cigarettes or tobacco products by a distributor, wholesaler, or any other person to a retailer, wholesaler, distributor, or any other person that the state, pursuant to the United States Constitution, the laws of the United States, or the San Andreas Constitution, is prohibited from regulating.

(c) A retailer, distributor, or wholesaler shall not purchase packages of cigarettes or tobacco products from a manufacturer or importer who is not licensed pursuant to this division or whose license has been suspended or revoked.

(d) (1) A retailer or wholesaler shall not purchase cigarettes or tobacco products from any person who is not licensed pursuant to this division or whose license has been suspended or revoked.

(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (c), a distributor shall not purchase cigarettes or tobacco products from any person who is required to be licensed pursuant to this division but who is not licensed or whose license has been suspended or revoked.

(e) Each separate sale to, or by, a retailer, wholesaler, distributor, importer, manufacturer, or any other person who is not licensed pursuant to this division shall constitute a separate violation.

(f) A manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler, or importer shall not sell cigarette or tobacco products to any retailer or wholesaler whose license has been suspended or revoked unless all outstanding debts of that retailer or wholesaler that are owed to a wholesaler or distributor for cigarette or tobacco products are paid and the license of that retailer or wholesaler has been reinstated by the board. Any payment received from a retailer or wholesaler shall be credited first to the outstanding debt for cigarettes or tobacco products and must be immediately reported to the board. The board shall determine the debt status of a suspended retailer or wholesaler licensee 25 days prior to the reinstatement of the license.

(g) An importer, distributor, or wholesaler, or distributor functioning as a wholesaler, or retailer, shall not purchase, obtain, or otherwise acquire any package of cigarettes to which a stamp or meter impression may not be affixed in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 30163 or subdivision (e) of Section 30165.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or any cigarettes obtained from a manufacturer or importer that cannot demonstrate full compliance with all requirements of the federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1335a et seq.) for the reporting of ingredients added to cigarettes.

(h) (1) Failure to comply with the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor subject to penalties pursuant to Section 22981.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a manufacturer or importer who uses the most up-to-date licensing information provided by the board on the board’s website to determine a person’s licensing status is presumed to be in compliance with this section.

(i) The amendments that are made to this section by the act adding this subdivision shall become operative May 1, 2007.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 18. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.)

22980.2.

(a) A person or entity that engages in the business of selling cigarettes or tobacco products in this state either without a valid license or after a license has been suspended or revoked, and each officer of any corporation that so engages in this business, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 22981.

(b) Each day after notification by the board or by a law enforcement agency that a manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, importer, retailer, or any other person required to be licensed under this division offers cigarette and tobacco products for sale or exchange without a valid license for the location from which they are offered for sale shall constitute a separate violation.

(c) Continued sales or gifting of cigarettes and tobacco products either without a valid license or after a notification of suspension or revocation shall constitute a violation punishable as provided in Section 22981, and shall result in the seizure of all cigarettes and tobacco products in the possession of the person by the board or a law enforcement agency. Any cigarettes and tobacco products seized by the board or by a law enforcement agency shall be deemed forfeited.

(d) For the purposes of this section, notwithstanding subdivision (s) of Section 22971, “tobacco products” includes a product or device as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 22950.5.

(e) This section shall be operative on January 1, 2017.

(Repealed (in Sec. 6) and added by Stats. 2016, 2nd Ex. Sess., Ch. 7, Sec. 7. (SB 5 2x) Effective June 9, 2016. Section operative January 1, 2017, by its own provisions.)

22980.3.

(a) Licenses issued pursuant to this division shall be subject to suspension or revocation for violations of this division or the Revenue and Taxation Code as provided in this section.

(1) In addition to any applicable fines or penalties for a violation, upon first conviction of a violation, a licensee shall receive a written notice from the board detailing the suspension and revocation provisions of this division. At its discretion, the board may also suspend a license for up to 30 days.

(2) In addition to any applicable fines or penalties for a violation, upon a second conviction of a violation within four years of a previous violation, the license shall be revoked.

(b) The date of the occurrence of a violation shall be used to calculate the duration between subsequent violations. A violation shall be noted in the license record at the board only after judicial conviction or final adjudication of a violation.

(c) Upon updating a record for a violation triggering a suspension, the board shall serve the licensee with a notice of suspension and shall order the licensee to cease the sale, gifting, or displaying for sale of cigarettes or tobacco products for the period of the suspension. The notice of suspension shall inform the licensee of the effective dates of the suspension.

(d) Continued sales or gifting of cigarettes or tobacco products after the effective date of the suspension shall constitute a violation of this division and result in the revocation of a license.

(e) Upon completion of a suspension period, a license shall be reinstated by the board upon certification that all outstanding debts of that retailer or wholesaler that are owed to a wholesaler or distributor for the purchase of cigarettes and tobacco products are paid.

(f) Upon updating a record for a violation triggering a revocation, the board shall serve the licensee with a notice of revocation and shall order the licensee to cease the sale, gifting, or displaying for sale of cigarettes or tobacco products on and after the effective date of the revocation. The notice of revocation shall inform the licensee of the effective date of the revocation.

(g) After a revocation, a previously licensed applicant may apply for a new license after six months. The board may, at its discretion, issue a new license.

(h) Upon updating a license record for a violation, suspension, or revocation to a license of a person or entity that owns or controls more than one location, the board shall send notice in writing of the violations, suspensions, or revocations within 15 days of the board’s action to the address included in the application and listed on the license for receipt of correspondence or notices from the board.

(i) Upon suspension or revocation of a license pursuant to this section, the board shall notify all licensed distributors and wholesalers by electronic mail within 48 hours of the suspension or revocation of that license. All licensed distributors and wholesalers shall provide the board and shall update, as necessary, an electronic mail address that the board can use for purposes of making the notifications required by this subdivision.

(j) Violations by a licensee at one location may not be accumulated against other locations of that same licensee. Violations accumulated against a prior owner at a licensed location may not be accumulated against a new owner at the same licensed location.

(k) For purposes of this section, a violation includes violations of the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to cigarettes and tobacco products, and violations of this division. Only one violation per discrete action shall be counted toward a suspension or revocation of a license.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 607, Sec. 7. (AB 2733) Effective January 1, 2011.)

22980.4.

A person who, after receiving a notice of suspension or revocation, continues to display for sale cigarettes or tobacco products shall be subject to a civil penalty of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each offense, and shall not be subject to Section 22981.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 607, Sec. 8. (AB 2733) Effective January 1, 2011.)

22980.5.

(a) A retailer whose license has been suspended or revoked by order of the board shall conspicuously post a notice at both of the following locations:

(1) Each public entrance to the retail location. The notice shall directly face any person who enters the retail location and shall not be obstructed from view or placed at a height of less than four feet or greater than nine feet from the floor.

(2) Each cash register and other point of retail sale. The notice shall be posted so as to be readily viewable by a person standing at or approaching the cash register or other point of retail sale. The notice shall directly face the purchaser and shall not be obstructed from view or placed at a height of less than four feet or greater than nine feet from the floor.

(b) The notices described in this section shall be in the size and form prescribed by the board. The notice shall be provided by the board and may be reproduced in the same size and form in order to comply with subdivision (a).

(c) A retailer whose license was suspended shall post the notice at the retail location that was the subject of the suspension for the duration of the suspension.

(d) A retailer whose license was revoked shall post the notice at the retail location that was the subject of the revocation for a 30-day period from the effective date of the revocation.

(e) Every retailer who fails to post the notices as required by this section, who alters the notice provided by the board, or who removes the notice before the posting period required in subdivision (c) or (d), as appropriate, expires, shall be subject, notwithstanding Section 22981, to a civil penalty of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each offense.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 607, Sec. 9. (AB 2733) Effective January 1, 2011.)

22981.

Any violation of this division by any person, except as otherwise provided, is a misdemeanor. Each offense shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or imprisonment not exceeding one year in a county jail, or both the fine and imprisonment. The court shall order any fines assessed be deposited in the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Compliance Fund.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22982.

Any prosecution for a violation of any of the penal provisions of this division shall be instituted within four years after the commission of the offense.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22983.

The provisions of Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 55121) of Part 30 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code apply with respect to the collection of the fees, civil fines, and penalties imposed pursuant to this division.

(Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 82, Sec. 8. Effective June 30, 2004.)

CHAPTER 6. Disposition of Funds [22990 - 22991] ( Chapter 6 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. )

22990.

(a) All moneys collected pursuant to this division shall be deposited in the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Compliance Fund, which is hereby created in the State Treasury. No moneys in the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Compliance Fund shall be used to supplant state or local General Fund money for any purpose.

(b) All moneys in the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Compliance Fund are available for expenditure, upon appropriation by the Legislature, solely for the purpose of implementing, enforcing, and administering the San Andreas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

22990.5.

Notwithstanding Sections 30124 and 30131.3 of the Revenue and Taxation Code or any other law, on or after July 1, 2019, no revenues derived from the taxes imposed upon the distribution of cigarettes and tobacco products by Article 1 (commencing with Section 30101), Article 2 (commencing with Sections 30121), and Article 3 (commencing with Section 30131) of Chapter 2 of Part 13 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code shall be appropriated to the board for the purpose of implementing, enforcing, or administering the San Andreas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003.

(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 699, Sec. 5. (AB 2770) Effective January 1, 2017.)

22990.7.

(a) The board shall report to the Legislature, Governor, and Department of Finance on or before January 1, 2019, and on and before January 1 annually thereafter, regarding the adequacy of funding for the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003. The report shall include data and recommendations about whether the annual licensing fee funding levels are set at an appropriate level to maintain an effective enforcement program.

(b) The report to the Legislature required by subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 699, Sec. 6. (AB 2770) Effective January 1, 2017.)

22991.

The amount of eleven million dollars ($11,000,000) is appropriated from the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Compliance Fund during the 2003–04 fiscal year to the State Board of Equalization for the purpose of implementing, enforcing, and administering the San Andreas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003, subject to the following provisions:

(a) Spending under the appropriation made by this subdivision is limited solely to revenues in the fund that are derived from fees imposed on cigarette and tobacco product manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, and retailers.

(b) Of the total amount appropriated under this subdivision, five million four hundred thousand dollars ($5,400,000) is available for reimbursement to the Department of Justice through an interagency agreement with the board for investigation and enforcement assistance.

(c) The expenditure of any funds from the appropriation made by this subdivision shall require the prior approval of the Director of Finance. The amounts appropriated may be approved for expenditure on an allotment basis and shall be limited to the amounts necessary to carry out the operating and staffing plans for the implementation of the San Andreas Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003 as approved by the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance shall notify the Joint Legislative Budget Committee of its approval of any expenditure authorization 30 days prior to that approval.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)