Tobacco Control Program (TCP) Frequently Asked Questions

Does your program provide tobacco treatment services?

TCP does not provide direct tobacco treatment services. However, we can refer you to tobacco treatment support that best serves your needs. Please visit https://tobaccofreealamedacounty.org/focus-areas/quit-tobacco for tobacco treatment resources in Alameda County.

What do I do if there is a store that is selling tobacco to minors (under 21 years old)?

California State Law now requires individuals to be 21 years of age to purchase tobacco products unless they are actively serving in the military. To report potential unlawful sales, email TCP@acgov.org or click here.

Whom do I contact if I observe a store selling flavored tobacco products?

California State Law and all Alameda County jurisdictions prohibit the retail sale of flavored tobacco products including, but not limited to, flavored: cigarettes (such as menthol cigarettes), cigars, little cigars, cigarillos, cigar/blunt wraps, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff, snus, hookah, nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, e-juice, all other flavored electronic smoking devices, and tobacco product flavor enhancers. To report a store potentially violating these laws, email TCP@acgov.org or click here.

Whom do I contact if I observe a store selling Electronic Smoking Devices / vapes?

Some jurisdictions in Alameda County prohibit the retail sale of all electronic smoking devices, including Dublin, Emeryville, Hayward, Livermore, Pleasanton and Unincorporated Alameda County. This includes, but is not limited to, the retail sale of: vapes, e-cigarettes, e-hookahs and other vaping devices, as well as any component, part, or accessory of the device, including e-liquids and e-pods, whether they are flavored or unflavored, and whether or not they contain nicotine. To report a store potentially violating these laws, email TCP@acgov.org or click here.

Does the Tobacco Control Program team speak languages other than English?

Our program can make arrangements to accommodate the public’s needs. For tobacco treatment needs, please visit Kickitca.org or 1-800-NO BUTTS, where helpline counselors are fluent in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and Vietnamese—the six most common languages in California. For all other language interpretation and translation needs, please email TCP@acgov.org.

How do you handle requests for services not covered by your program?

The program would refer them to the appropriate resource. For more resources, please visit tobaccofreealamedacounty.org

Can I file a complaint if a place is not cooperating with the smoking laws?

Yes – you can contact our program at TCP@acgov.org or visit tobaccofreealamedacounty.org/smoke-free-laws to find about policies in your city  and how to reach the appropriate enforcement agency.

How can I file a complaint if I am being exposed to secondhand smoke in my building?

Please reach out to make a Smoking Complaint: English | Spanish | Chinese | Vietnamese