RPD, Board of Equalization Issue Citations to Tobacco Retailers

Redlands Police along with officers from the State Board of Equalization conducted inspections Tuesday of tobacco retailers. Two businesses were cited for violations involving the sale of single cigarettes. Citations were issued April 28 to the owner of Golden Donut, 16 W. Colton Ave., after officers found open packages of cigarettes concealed on the premises. While the inspectors were there several customers came into the business asking to buy single cigarettes at 50 cents apiece and were turned away. State inspectors also found additional violations, including possession of untaxed tobacco. Two containers of cigarettes and cigars were seized as contraband. Officers also cited a store clerk at Paul’s Beverage Shop, 1150 Brookside Ave., for selling single cigarettes at 50 cents apiece. Again, inspectors witnessed a customer who came into the store asking to purchase single cigarettes. In addition, the store’s tobacco license was found to have expired last year. The owner was advised not to sell any tobacco products until the license is renewed. The California Penal Code and the 2009 Tobacco Control Act prohibit sales of single cigarettes. Cigarettes must be sold in sealed and properly labeled packaging that meets federal labeling requirements. Cigarettes may not be manufactured for sale, distributed, sold or offered for sale in packages of fewer than 20 cigarettes. The State Board of Equalization is responsible for enforcement of state tobacco license requirements.