Tobacco Retail Licensing Program

In July 2016, the San Marcos City Council approved a municipal Tobacco Retail License (TRL) ordinance (Ordinance No. 2016-1428(PDF, 158KB)).  As of January 1, 2017, a TRL is required in order to sell any kind of tobacco products in the city.

Tobacco retailers are required to pay an annual licensing fee that covers the costs of administration and annual compliance checks. Compliance checks ensure businesses comply with existing tobacco laws, including state flavored tobacco bans, window advertising requirements, and prohibitions on retailers selling drug paraphernalia.

On November 10, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2025-1566(PDF, 1MB) which increased violation fees and further defined window advertisement requirements. Fact Sheet for Retailers - 2025 Update(PDF, 129KB)

Tobacco Retail License Application(PDF, 320KB)

 

Municipal Code Chapter 5.55 - Tobacco Retail License

Tobacco Retail Ordinance- Amendment 2021-1498(PDF, 2MB)

Tobacco Retail Ordinance - Amendment 2025-1566(PDF, 1MB)