CHARLES CITY – A Charles City gas station and the clerk working at the store were fined hundreds of dollars after police conducted a tobacco compliance sting.
Charles City police went to a business in the 600 block of South Main Street on Friday night, April 12, 2024, at 7:54 PM to conduct a tobacco compliance check. According to a police statement, as a result of this sting, an employee was cited for providing tobacco/vapor/cigarette products to a person under 21 years of age. This is a simple misdemeanor crime with a fine ranging from $135 to $645 with possible other fees and costs tacked on.
A call to the BP gas station located at 609 S Main Street confirmed that the sting took place there. A man who answered the phone at the gas station identified himself as the owner’s brother. He told NIT that the clerk was fined $210 total and additionally, the store was fined $290.
“We do not do this and train our employees never to sell this product to underage,” the man told NIT. “Never, never. We do not do.”
