On May 21st, the Camarillo Community Resources Unit and City Code Enforcement joined forces to carry out a tobacco decoy operation, which led to three misdemeanor citations at various retail locations in Camarillo. This sting operation utilized an underage individual in an attempt to purchase tobacco products, to ensure local businesses complied with laws aimed at preventing sales to those under 21. According to the press release, the operation checked 19 businesses and found violations at the Vons on Mission Oaks Boulevard, Mobil Gas on Pleasant Valley Road, and Chevron Gas on Las Posas Road.
Under California Penal Code Section 308(a), selling tobacco products or paraphernalia, including electronic cigarettes, to anyone under 21 is illegal. Clerks found guilty of such a transaction are facing fines starting at $500 for a first offense, and increasing to as much as $5,000 for subsequent offenses. During the decoy operation, peace officers closely supervised the underage decoys, who openly presented their age when asked and did not try to mislead the sellers.
The operation, funded by a Tobacco Grant from the California Department of Justice, serves to not just apprehend and penalize offenders, but also to educate vendors on current tobacco laws. According to the operation details, those who were caught in violation were given immediate education on the prohibitions and consequences of their actions. Additionally, the California Department of Public Health may take further administrative action against the licenses of these businesses, which could include fines or even permanent revocation.
Senior Deputy Matthew Koenig of the Camarillo Police Department prepared the news release and expressed gratitude towards the business owners and employees who adhered to the regulations. "The Camarillo Police Department would like to thank the business owners and clerks who followed the law and refused to sell to individuals under the age of 21 years old," the release stated. The police also urged parents to actively engage with their children about the dangers of tobacco and alcohol use and to play a pivotal role in preventing underage access to these substances.
To maintain community involvement in this initiative, the Camarillo Police Department is urging anyone with knowledge regarding adults furnishing tobacco products to minors or establishments that sell to underage customers to contact the Sheriff's Office or Senior Deputy Matthew Koenig through email. Informants have the option to remain anonymous. Ventura County Crime Stoppers is also offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and criminal complaint in connection with such crimes.
