Hollister Police seized more than 2,100 illegal flavored tobacco products from a downtown smoke shop during a recent enforcement operation.
The inspection—conducted by Hollister PD and city code enforcement officials—took place May 29 at Green Rush Smoke Shop on the 700 block of San Benito Street. The operation was part of an ongoing effort to reduce youth access to tobacco products and make sure retailers are in compliance with state law, says a press release from Hollister PD.
According to police, officers and code enforcement personnel inspected the business for flavored tobacco products prohibited under California’s Senate Bill 793 and state health regulations. California law bans the retail sale of most flavored tobacco products, including flavored disposable vape devices, flavored electronic cigarettes, menthol tobacco products and flavored smokeless tobacco products.
During the inspection, authorities found 2,141 prohibited flavored tobacco products that were displayed for sale and stored throughout the business, police said. Officers seized the products and informed the shop owner of the alleged violations.
The investigation was funded through a grant from the California Department of Justice, says the press release.
Police said research has shown flavored tobacco products are particularly attractive to young people and can contribute to nicotine addiction at an early age.
Authorities will forward the case to the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office for review and possible criminal charges, police said.
The Hollister Police Department said it will continue working with local businesses through education and enforcement efforts to promote compliance with state tobacco laws and reduce youth access to tobacco and nicotine products.
