4 Murrieta Smoke Shops Violated State Ban On Flavored Tobacco: PD

MURRIETA, CA — A crackdown this month on tobacco retailers in Murrieta resulted in citations and arrests, police announced over the weekend.

The law enforcement operation was conducted from approximately 4 to 10 p.m. on July 12. According to Murrieta police, the crackdown was aimed at enforcing state tobacco laws and local ordinances, including the statewide ban on sales of flavored tobacco.

During the operation, multiple retailers within the city were visited by undercover police officers. O’s Smoke Shop (39540 Murrieta Hot Springs Road), Ipuff Vape and Smoke Shop (25341 Madison Ave.), Big Cloud Vape and Smoke ( 25312 Madison Ave.), and Vibez Smoke Shop (25021 Madison Ave.) were cited for selling flavored tobacco products.

On November 8, 2022, California voters upheld state law (SB 793) prohibiting a tobacco retailer from selling most flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes, as well as tobacco product flavor enhancers. On October 7, 2023, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 935 into law to strengthen enforcement of the flavored tobacco retail law.

During the July 12 operation, a clerk at Ipuff Vape Smoke Shop and a clerk at Big Cloud Vape and Smoke were arrested and cited for selling tobacco products to underage people. In each case, the clerks failed to ask for identification, police said.

Additionally, a clerk at Vibez Smoke Shop was arrested for an outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrant, according to Murrieta police.

Funding for the operation was provided by the state's Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program.