Dickinson leaders want more control over of tobacco sales in the city.
The city has right to sell tobacco products, but because the government and not the actual law, it is not something that can be revoked, the City Administrator Shawn Kessel said.
“Retail interest in tobacco is becoming more common, and therefore our response must be adequate,” he said.
Dickinson commissioners decided to create a resolution calling for a license to sell tobacco during 23 July meeting. Regulation should be the second assertion.
The Southwestern district health Unit, which verifies compliance checks of tobacco legislation, has been pushing for a strong insist on a stronger law to stop selling tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 years, says Tammy Hovet, SWDHU tobacco coordinator.
Many stores do not ask for identification when the unit checks for compliance, she said. The last compliance check in Dickinson took place in January, and six out of 17 businesses sold to minors, Hovet said.
“If we have these licenses, we will have more control over what is a sale, and we would have more control over the operators, it means that we will have more control over the buyers,” said Kessel.
The highest penalty for selling tobacco products to a minor is a $500 fine and possible suspension, according to Dickinson city code. Penalty for first offense for an employee selling to minors $ 50, and all subsequent violations within two years worth $ 150. The retailer receives a $ 100 fine for a first offense, $ 250 for the second in two years and $ 500 for all offenses within two years after that.
All tobacco offenses are no criminal, according to municipal code.
Minors between the ages of 14 and 17 caught possessing or using tobacco products could face $ 100 fine. Those buying tobacco to minors face the same penalties as the seller.
If the Dickinson Police caught using or possessing small tobacco products, they are listed and sent to juvenile court, said Capt. Dave Wilkie.
“This gives us another tool used to enforcement (tobacco legislation),” he said of the proposed regulations. “I think it will give something to the business owner to think about.”
If the business will be in non-compliance, SWDHU sends letter to business, the City Commission, DPD, Stark County state attorney and attorney general of North Dakota.
“Any reports would be excellent starting solutions,” Hovet said. “The education under tests warning letters are a good start to stop selling cigarettes, but that they will bring to justice will be a big part of the solution.”
The public will have the opportunity to comment on this issue at a meeting of the City Commission at 4:30 p.m. on Monday at City Hall, 99 Second St. E.