Fresno to get over $1M to crack down illegal tobacco sales

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The California Department of Justice will grant Fresno over $1 million to crack down on illegal tobacco sales.

The City of Fresno’s Code Enforcement Division of the City Attorney’s Office and the Fresno Police Department will be the recipients of the $1,446,426 grant, officials with the city say.

Officials say the grant, awarded by the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program, will be to enforce state and local laws related to retail sales of tobacco. Additionally, the funding will play a critical role in ensuring the reduction of illegal retail sales and marketing of cigarettes and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors.

The City Attorney’s Office and the Police Department will team up to provide education to retailers conduct retail inspections for compliance and licensing and hold retailers accountable if found to be in violation, officials say.

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