SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the County Public Health Department’s Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Program, cited three of 48 retail establishments during an undercover tobacco operation in August.
The operation targeted unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County and focused on the sale of prohibited tobacco products, including most flavored tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, or vapes, unless the device has been authorized for sale by the Food and Drug Administration.
During the operation, a decoy attempted to purchase a flavored electronic smoking device under the direct supervision of Sheriff’s Office deputies. The decoy successfully purchased tobacco products at three retail locations.
“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.”
Sgt. Rory Linn of the Sheriff’s Office said compliance operations help ensure retailers follow laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to underage customers and the sale of prohibited products.
“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,” Linn said. “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 may face suspension or revocation of their business license, depending on prior violations.
Community members can report concerns about illegal or suspicious tobacco sales through the County’s Tobacco Tipline.