Sheriff’s Office and County Health Department conduct Tobacco Decoy Operations during Halloween Week

By Atascadero News · Mon Nov 10 2025

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the County Tobacco Control Program, conducted minor decoy operations across unincorporated areas of the county during Halloween week to ensure local retailers are complying with state tobacco laws.

Of the 45 retail establishments visited, three were cited for selling tobacco products to a minor in violation of California Penal Code 308(a). Under state law, a minor is defined as anyone under 21 years old, the legal age to purchase tobacco or alcohol products.

“These operations play a critical role in reinforcing laws designed to protect our youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction,” said Sgt. Rory Linn of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. “We’ve found that consistent enforcement helps reduce illegal tobacco sales to minors over time.”

During the operation, minor decoys — individuals under 21 — attempted to purchase tobacco products under direct supervision by Sheriff’s compliance deputies. The decoy successfully purchased tobacco products at three retail locations.

“The goal of these ongoing joint efforts is to reduce youth access to addictive tobacco products, promote community health, and ensure retailers comply with state and local laws, said Maria Bautista, Health Educator with SLO County Public Health’s Tobacco Control Program. “It is alarming that locally, 61% of 11th graders report that it is easy or fairly easy to obtain vapes — also known as electronic smoking devices — according to the 2023–24 California Healthy Kids Survey.”

Retail clerks who sell tobacco to minors face misdemeanor charges and fines between $200 and $1,000. Business owners may also receive county code violations carrying a $1,000 fine and potential suspension or revocation of their business license for repeated offenses.