Department of Health Services

In California, it is illegal to sell or give tobacco products to someone younger than 18 years of age. Merchants must check the I.D. of anyone who looks under 25 years of age to make sure they are not selling to a minor unknowingly. It is important to protect minors from tobacco because tobacco is dangerous. The nicotine in tobacco is as addictive as cocaine or heroin. Users of tobacco - both young and old - often become physically and mentally dependent on tobacco. Most adults who use tobacco started when they were teens - or younger. Most have tried to quit and wish they had never started.

What can you do to help? Don't share or buy tobacco for minors. Don't leave tobacco where minors can get it. If you see a merchant selling tobacco to minors or not checking the I.D. of someone who could be a minor, call 1-800-5 ASK-4-ID.

In 2004, Sacramento County and the following cities in Sacramento County adopted Tobacco Retail Licensing Ordinances:  City of Sacramento; City of Elk Grove; City of Rancho Cordova.