Tobacco Sales Compliance Check in Coachella

Tobacco Sales Compliance Check in Coachella Nets Unexpected Results

COACHELLA — A tobacco sales compliance check on March 10 at multiple locations throughout the city netted no arrests or violations, according to Sgt. Thomas Anderson of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Why is that news? Because these results are atypical of tobacco sales compliance checks.

Members of the Coachella Community Action Team conducted the compliance check. During the operation, deputies used a 20-year-old volunteer who entered 21 businesses, all of which were licensed to sell tobacco products. Of the 21 businesses visited, all were in compliance with state law, and the decoy was unable to purchase tobacco products.

In 2022, the City of Coachella received a state funded grant. This operation was paid for by this grant in an effort to reduce the use and exposure of adolescents to tobacco and tobacco-related products.

On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product – including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes – to anyone under 21.