Evanston Police To Start Up Tobacco Sting Operations

EVANSTON, IL — Starting next month, Evanston police are going to test local retailers to make sure they aren't selling tobacco products to underage people.

The Evanston Police Department is planning tobacco compliance checks at approximately 30 tobacco retailers. Similarly to minor decoy programs that ensure retailers aren't selling alcohol to underage customers, the tobacco compliance checks aim to keep sellers vigilant.

Police will be performing three checks through spring 2026. At each check, police will send a person under the age of 21 to purchase a tobacco product. If the retailer sells a tobacco product during the check, they will be cited.

"These compliance checks are an excellent opportunity for retailers to refocus their vigilance to ensure they are not selling tobacco products to customers under 21," EPD said in a statement.