MASON CITY – Officers with the MCPD conducted compliance checks on local establishments. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, entered establishments and attempted to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. Clerks who made the illegal sale were cited. Of the 33 licensed tobacco retailers, 12 were cited for underage sales. Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include a $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and a $500 fine for third and subsequent offenses.
