On October 16th, 2023, members of the Camarillo Community Resources Unit conducted tobacco decoy stings, using an underage minor decoy, in an attempt to purchase tobacco products at retail establishments in the city of Camarillo. The goal of the operation is to limit underage access to tobacco products and confirm businesses are operating within the law.
California Penal Code Section 308(a) prohibits the sale of tobacco and tobacco paraphernalia, including electronic cigarettes, to persons under the age of 21.
Out of the 25 businesses checked during the operation, one business, Shell Gas Station located at 1604 Ventura Boulevard, sold tobacco products to an underage decoy. The clerk was contacted by deputies and issued a misdemeanor citation. Clerks who sell to an underage decoy face a minimum fine of $200 for a first offense, it becomes a $500 fine for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third offense. In addition, the California Department of Public Health may take administrative action against the license of the business where tobacco was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.
A minor decoy operation involves a person under the age of 21 years old who enters establishments and attempts to purchase tobacco. The minor decoy appears young, provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller. The decoy is supervised by peace officers during the entire process.
If you have information about a local retailer in the city that is supplying nicotine or tobacco products to underage buyers, please report it to the Camarillo Police Community Resources Unit at 805-388-5155.
The Camarillo Police Department would like to remind parents to talk to their children about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol. The Camarillo Police Department will be partnering with the local school districts during “Red Ribbon Week” starting on October 23rd, 2023 emphasizing making healthy choices and not using drugs. This year’s Red Ribbon Week slogan is “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” Expired and unused prescription medications in the home, tobacco and alcohol are often the first substances used by adolescents. Parents play an important role in limiting access to unsafe items in the home and educating their children about drug and alcohol safety.
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.
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