Hanford businesses caught selling tobacco to minors, police say
Dec 18, 2024
HANFORD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Two Hanford businesses were cited after allegedly selling tobacco to minors on Monday, the Hanford Police Department announced.
Police say on Monday they conducted a minor decoy operation targeting retail establishments in the city. During the operation minor decoys, ages 16 and 17, attempted to buy tobacco products from the businesses.
Officers report as a result of the operation, two retail establishments, Irwin Corner Store and Hanford United Market, reportedly sold tobacco products to the decoys.
Investigators say the clerks were issued citations for selling tobacco to a person under 21 years of age. Additionally, the Kings County District Attorney could pursue civil action against the businesses for unfair competition.
Hanford Police ask anyone who knows of a business selling tobacco to minors to contact them at 559-585-2540.