Stockton police officers say they took 51 “enforcement actions” — either writing tickets or arresting someone — as they continue their crackdown on the city’s problem smoke shops.
The citations were written for violations like selling to minors, operating without a license and “blatant disregard” for state laws governing the sale of tobacco, the police department said. Besides tickets and arrests, retailers found to be breaking the law can be fined and have their licenses suspected or revoked.
The latest visits to 78 businesses targeted inspection following a similar round of inspections reported in May, when officers found several shops operating with licenses. Over several weeks on that one, officers say they confiscated $55,000 of flavored tobacco products.
The crackdown comes after Stockton City Council members complained that too many smoke shops have become problems by offering products that are attractive to youngsters. In making the new visits, police picked up on the theme of trying to protect kids from getting hooked on cigarettes and other tobacco items.
“These aggressive inspections are part of a sustained effort to protect our community — especially our youth — from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products,” police said.