The Stockton Police Department has ramped up its efforts to crack down on illegal tobacco sales, with a significant number of targeted inspections and enforcement actions taking place across Stockton. According to a recent social media post by the Stockton Police Department, they have conducted 78 inspections and have issued 51 actions that include citations and arrests in response to community and business complaints.
The ongoing crackdown is part of a broader initiative to shield the community, particularly minors, from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products; in their post, the Stockton Police Department stated, “This is not a warning — it’s action.” These inspections have uncovered multiple violations, such as the sale of tobacco to minors, the operation of businesses without proper licenses, and clear non-compliance with local and state tobacco control laws, during these inspections, the department has been straightforward in stating that “We have zero tolerance for businesses that endanger public health for profit.”
Consequences for retailers found in violation of the law can be severe, with the department warning of fines, license suspensions or revocation, and possible criminal prosecution. The Stockton Police are taking a proactive stance and have announced plans to continue these unannounced follow-up inspections, ensuring that the businesses previously caught are adhering to the rules set forth by law enforcement…