Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act of 2003: nitrous oxide: licensure.

Assembly Member Flora's legislation to enhance oversight of tobacco and nitrous oxide sales introduces mandatory business license suspensions for retailers who repeatedly violate state laws governing these substances. The bill amends California's Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act to deny or revoke licenses from retailers previously convicted of illegally distributing nitrous oxide or violating tobacco regulations.

Under the proposed changes, courts must suspend business licenses for up to one year when retailers commit a second offense related to illegal nitrous oxide distribution. The legislation maintains existing requirements for retailers to document nitrous oxide transactions with customer identification and written health warnings, while adding new provisions that exempt medical practitioners and food product manufacturers from certain restrictions.

The amendments establish a graduated penalty system for tobacco retailers, with initial violations resulting in written warnings and potential 30-day license suspensions. Second violations within four years trigger automatic license revocation. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration must notify all licensed distributors within 48 hours when suspending or revoking a retailer's license. Retailers can petition for license reinstatement after suspension by demonstrating all outstanding debts to wholesalers have been paid.