Suspension or revocation of tobacco retail establishment permit.
Riverside Municipal Code § 6.24.120
in effect6.24.120 - Suspension or revocation of tobacco retail establishment permit.
A. Subject to the procedures set forth in this section, the Chief of Police may revoke or suspend a tobacco retail establishment permit issued pursuant to this chapter whenever any of the following has occurred:
1. The holder of a tobacco retail establishment permit is acting in a manner contrary to, or has violated, any of the provisions of this Code.
2. The holder of a tobacco retail establishment permit is acting in a manner that constitutes a public nuisance.
3. The holder of a tobacco retail establishment permit is acting in a manner that is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the city or its inhabitants.
4. The holder of a tobacco retail establishment permit or their agents, contractors or employees has violated any laws in connection with the operation of this business or failed to cooperate with the Riverside Police Department.
5. The Chief of Police makes any of the findings that would have justified denying the application in the first instance.
B. If, in the discretion of the Chief of Police, the violation is capable of correction, then prior to revocation or suspension, a written notice shall be given to the holder of a tobacco retail establishment permit, indicating the violation(s) involved, to allow a period of time to correct the violation(s), which period shall not exceed five business days, at the end of which period, the police department shall conduct an inspection to determine whether the violation(s) has been corrected. If the Chief of Police determines that the violation is not capable of correction or finds that the violation(s) continues without correction, then the Chief of Police may issue a notice of revocation or suspension. Examples of a violation that are incapable of correction, include but are not limited to, substantial evidence of sales of or furnishing to a minor any tobacco product or an immediate threat to health, safety or welfare.
C. Any tobacco retail establishment Permit may be revoked or suspended by the Chief of Police upon determination that the holder of said permit has directly or indirectly allowed or has violated any regulation set forth in this chapter or state law. To revoke or suspend a tobacco retail establishment permit, the Chief of Police shall serve upon the holder thereof, either by personal service or by United States Mail sent to the last known address, a written notice that said permit shall be revoked or suspended on the tenth day from the date of said notice. If, however, the permit holder files a timely request for a hearing as set forth below in Section 6.24.130, the revocation or suspension of the permit shall be stayed pending a determination by an Administrative Hearing Officer at the hearing. Failure to timely request a hearing shall deem the tobacco retail establishment permit revoked.
D. A revoked permit shall be immediately surrendered to the Chief of Police.
E. New permit after revocation.
1. After revocation for a first permit violation of this chapter at a location within any 60-month period, no new permit may be issued for the location until ten days have passed from the date of the revocation.
2. After revocation for a second violation of this chapter at a location within any 60-month period, no new permit may be issued for the location until 30 days have passed from the date of the last revocation.
3. After revocation for a third violation of this chapter at a location within any 60-month period, no new permit may be issued for the location until 90 days have passed from the date of the last revocation.
4. After revocation for a fourth or subsequent violation of this chapter at a location within any 60-month period, no new permit may be issued for the location until five years have passed from the date of revocation.
F. Revocation of permit issued in error. A tobacco retail establishment permit shall be revoked if the Department finds, after the permit holder is afforded a reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard, that one or more of the basis for denial of a permit under Section 6.24.050 existed at the time application was made or at any time before the permit was issued. The revocation shall be without prejudice to the filing of a new permit application.
(Ord. 7708, § 24, 2025; Ord. 7550, § 1(Exh. A), 2021)
Source: City of Riverside, California, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/riverside/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT6HESA_CH6.24PETOREES_6.24.120SURETOREESPEFetched: 11/1/2026