Ragged Point Inn cited in tobacco sting

A North Coast inn has been cited for selling tobacco to minors. The action was part of a countywide tobacco-sales compliance sting operation conducted in unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County.

According to information released March 14 by the Sheriff’s Office, the sting was done in cooperation with the County Health Agency’s Tobacco Control Program. The enforcement action, which used underage decoys in visits to 51 businesses, ended March 9.

The news release said that among the four stores that reportedly engaged in the illegal sale of tobacco products to a minor was Ragged Point Inn, 19019 Highway 1 in Ragged Point. Two other stores sold tobacco without a valid license, and making those sales to minors.

The release said the inn had no prior violations of the state penal code. It is a misdemeanor to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

California legislators agreed this month to increase to 21 the minimum age for buying tobacco and products such as electronic cigarettes. The legislation also expands smoke-free areas, increases smoking bans and allows counties to levy higher taxes on cigarettes than the 87-cent per pack state tax. The governor would have to sign the legislation for it to become law.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 10:21 AM with the headline "Ragged Point Inn cited in tobacco sting."