Sheriff’s Office cites three retailers in tobacco sting
The operation targeted the sale of illegal flavored tobacco products and electronic smoking devices
– Members of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the county’s Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Program, conducted undercover purchase operations at retail establishments in unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County in August.
The operations resulted in three of 48 retail establishments being cited for selling illegal tobacco products.
Under state and local law, it is illegal to sell most flavored tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, or vapes, unless the Food and Drug Administration has authorized the sale of the device.
“Enforcing flavored tobacco laws helps ensure these products do not remain easily available to young people, who are especially attracted to the flavors that make tobacco products easier to try and use”, said Maria Bautista, Program Coordinator with County Public Health’s Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Program. “By reducing access to flavored and high-dose nicotine tobacco products like vapes, we can help prevent young people from becoming addicted.”
During the operation, a decoy attempted to purchase a flavored electronic smoking device under the direct supervision of Sheriff’s deputies. The decoy was able to purchase tobacco products at three retail locations.
“Enforcement is an important part of prevention. Compliance operations are an important way to ensure retailers are following the law and not selling tobacco products to people who are underage or purchasing prohibited products,” said Sgt. Rory Linn of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. “They help promote accountability and create a safer community.”
Business owners cited for a county code violation face a $1,000 fine per violation and potential suspension or revocation of their business license, depending on prior violations.
Community members can submit concerns about illegal or suspicious tobacco sales to the Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Program through the Tobacco Tipline.
For more information about the Tobacco Decoy Operation or the county’s Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Program, contact Amy Gilman at (805) 781-4305 or email agilman@co.slo.ca.us.
