Federal, state, county, and local laws reduce youth access to tobacco and unwanted exposure to secondhand smoke through smoke-free and tobacco sales policies.

All 18 incorporated cities in San Diego County have adopted local ordinances. All unincorporated areas follow the County of San Diego smoking ordinances.

Click here if you live in a city without a smoke-free outdoor dining policy and want to learn how you can help.

For information on federal, state, and local tobacco laws and regulations; local law enforcement agencies in San Diego County; and frequently asked questions, see additional links at the bottom of the page.

On January 28, 2020, the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance (Ordinance No. 10647) to reduce the impacts of tobacco in the unincorporated area of San Diego County. Effective July 1, 2020:

• The sale or distribution of flavored smoking products is prohibited.
• The sale or distribution of electronic smoking devices is prohibited until February 28, 2021, or an earlier date, dependent on the results of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ongoing vaping illness investigation.
• Smoking is prohibited in all outdoor dining areas, and within 25 feet from the perimeter of such areas. Additionally, smoking is prohibited within 40 feet from a permitted food facility that is a mobile food or temporary food facility, such as a food truck or food cart.

Click here for a list of communities in the unincorporated area of San Diego County.

Click below to learn more about what the ordinance means for dining establishments and tobacco retailers in the unincorporated area of the county.

Additional Resources 

Tobacco control laws and regulations protect the health of the public and promote smoke-free environments. Laws are typically enforced by the local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where the violation occurred. See links below for information about federal, state, and local laws.

State and federal tobacco laws affecting California

Local tobacco control laws and regulations

Local law enforcement agencies by jurisdiction

Frequently asked questions about tobacco regulations

Webpage last updated 7/7/2020.