Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS›Division III — PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFENSES AND REGULATIONS
Chico Municipal Code Ch. 9.18 Nonsale Distribution of Smokeless Tobacco or Cigarettes
Chico Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Chico
Cite as: Chico Municipal Code Chapter 9.18 · Text as of 2026-10-04
9.18.010 Authority.¶
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority set forth in California Health and Safety Code (H&SC) section 118950 which permits cities to regulate the distribution of smokeless tobacco or cigarette samples within their boundaries in a more restrictive manner than such section. This chapter shall govern to the extent that there is any inconsistency between it and H&SC section 118950.
9.18.020 Definitions.¶
As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the meanings set forth in this section:
A. “Nonsale distribution” means to give smokeless tobacco or cigarettes to the general public at no cost, or at nominal cost, or to give coupons, coupon offers, or rebate offers for smokeless tobacco or cigarettes to the general public at no cost or at nominal cost. Distribution of tobacco products, coupons, coupon offers, or rebate offers in connection with the sale of another item, including tobacco products, cigarette lighters, magazines, or newspapers shall not constitute nonsale distribution.
B. “Smokeless tobacco” means a loose or flat, compressed cake form of tobacco that may be chewed or held in the mouth, or a shredded, powdered, or pulverized form of tobacco that may be inhaled through the nostrils, chewed, or held in the mouth.
9.18.030 Nonsale Distribution of Smokeless Tobacco or Cigarettes - Prohibited.¶
It is unlawful for any person, agent, or employee of a person in the business of selling or distributing smokeless tobacco or cigarettes from engaging in the nonsale distribution of any smokeless tobacco or cigarettes to any person within the boundaries of the city.
9.18.040 Violation.¶
Any person who violates this chapter shall be liable for a civil penalty of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) for one act, five hundred dollars ($500) for two acts, and one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each subsequent act constituting a violation. Each distribution of a single package, coupon, coupon offer, or rebate offer to an individual member of the general public in violation of this chapter shall be considered a separate violation.
(Ord. 2367)
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