Illegal Sales Of Flavored Tobacco, E-Cigs Targeted In Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA — Four Pleasanton businesses were cited this week in a sting operation that targeted illegal sales of flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes to people under 21 years of age, according to the Pleasanton Police Department.

The operation was conducted Monday and Tuesday by the Pleasanton PD at all of the approximately 29 businesses in the city that sell flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes, police said.

During the sting, plain-clothed officers accompanied underage decoys at the locations. The four businesses that sold to the underage decoys were each issued a citation, police said.

During the operation, officers also checked to make sure there were signs posted at every location regarding illegal sale of tobacco to anyone underage; officers also confirmed each business had a valid tobacco license, police said.

"The Pleasanton Police Department recognizes the increase in popularity of flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes with youth nationwide," the department stated. "We will continue to proactively address the illegal sales and purchase of flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes through similar sting operations."