News
VPD Cites Four Businesses for Tobacco Sales to Minors

1.29.25
An undercover decoy operation by the Visalia Police Department has brought penalties for four local businesses.
"Under the supervision of officers, minor decoys attempted to purchase tobacco products at various stores," stated Liz Jones, Public Safety Public Information officer. "Four businesses were cited for selling tobacco to a minor during the operation."
Visalia PD officers conducted the tobacco decoy operation to determine
if businesses in the city were selling tobacco products to minors.
"The Visalia Police Department, in partnership with the California State Department of Justice, is committed to protecting children by preventing tobacco and nicotine addiction," added Jones.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death, killing over 480 thousand people in the United States annually. Nearly nine in ten daily smokers start smoking before the age of 18.
In an effort to combat underage smoking, the Visalia Police Department will be holding a series of tobacco decoy and compliance inspections throughout the year to ensure businesses are complying with state law.
Retailers found in violation can face misdemeanor charges or fines up to $1,000.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California State Department of Justice.