FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Aug. 29, 2024
CONTACT: Madison Bible, Tobacco Program Coordinator, (530) 225-5134, mabible@shastacounty.gov
Shasta County tobacco retailers receive citations after visits from state tobacco inspectors
SHASTA COUNTY – The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration inspected nine vape shops on June 11 and 12, 2024. Six of the inspected vape shops were in possession of untaxed tobacco products or other illegal tobacco products.
In addition, eight vape shops were in illegal possession of various cannabis-related products, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vaping devices, marijuana flowers and edibles. An estimated $21,407 in illegal products were confiscated. Three tobacco retailers received civil citations under Civil Citation B&P 22974 & 22974.3(b).
Numerous vape shops were in possession of illegal flavored tobacco products. Local law enforcement officers have the authority to enforce this law. Staff from Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency and other community partners have made law enforcement aware of this growing concern.
According to the 2023 California Youth Tobacco Survey, Shasta County ranked highest in California for the number of youth who have used tobacco at least once: 41.2 percent. Despite current laws to prevent tobacco sales to underage youth, one in three Shasta County youth reported that they are able to purchase tobacco products directly from the tobacco retailer. The legal age to purchase tobacco is 21.
You can help protect the youth in our community by reporting underage tobacco sales to the Tobacco Violations Hotline at (530) 225-5052.
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