TOBACCO SALES TO UNDERAGE CUSTOMERS DOUBLED

TOBACCO SALES TO UNDERAGE CUSTOMERS DOUBLED

Kern County Public Health says sales of tobacco products to underage customers have doubled in the last year.

More than 16% of stores surveyed sold cigarettes, chew, and vaping products to an underage decoy, and Public Health Assistant Director Brynn Carrigan says all types of shops are at fault. Shops in northeast Bakersfield and Ridgecrest were the worst offenders.

Over $19,000 in fines were handed out this past year to stores who sold to underage clients.

Kelli Forsch