San Luis Obispo, CA – Three retailers in San Luis Obispo County were cited after allegedly selling tobacco products to an underage decoy during “Halloween week,” the Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. The compliance sweep covered unincorporated areas countywide and was conducted with the County’s Tobacco Control Program.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies supervised decoys under 21 who attempted to buy tobacco at 45 retail locations. Three businesses completed sales to the minor decoy—about 6.7% of locations visited.
“These operations play a critical role in reinforcing laws designed to protect our youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction,” Sgt. Rory Linn said in a prepared statement. “We’ve found that consistent enforcement helps reduce illegal tobacco sales to minors over time.”
The County’s Tobacco Control Program said the stings are part of ongoing efforts to curb youth access to nicotine products across the Central Coast. “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,” said Maria Bautista, a health educator.
Retail clerks who sell tobacco to a minor face misdemeanor charges and fines ranging from $200 to $1,000 under California Penal Code 308(a), authorities said. Business owners may also be cited for a county code violation carrying a $1,000 fine and potential license suspension or revocation, depending on prior violations.
For more information about the operation or the Tobacco Control Program, contact Amy Gilman at 805-781-4305 or agilman@co.slo.ca.us.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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