Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder has issued orders to revoke the tobacco licenses of three local tobacco stores and imposed fines on a fourth following tobacco compliance checks conducted by the Centralia Police Department in November and hearings held on January 30.
The companies running Vape Central at 224 North Elm and Centralia Tobacco and Liquor at 135 South Elm, have had their local tobacco sale licenses revoked for selling tobacco to customers under the age of 21. Centralia Tobacco and Liquor had also failed to renew its license for the 2024-25 license year.
Smoke Zone, located at 1235 West Broadway, sold tobacco to a customer under 21 and was found to be selling tobacco without a license. The store has been ordered to cease tobacco sales and will not be issued a tobacco license.
The ownership of Midtown Liquors and Tobacco, located at 617 West Broadway, was fined $750 for selling tobacco to a customer under 21 and will be allowed to keep its license on probationary status for six months. The store was found not to have any prior convictions by the tobacco commission.
Mayor Kuder says enforcement of tobacco regulations is important for the safety of youth and the community.
“Ensuring that our community and youth remain safe and the local tobacco and liquor establishments adhere to regulations is a responsibility the City of Centralia takes seriously,” Kuder said. “These hearings and orders demonstrate our commitment to protecting the health of our residents, particularly when it comes to preventing underage access to tobacco products and enforcing the ordinances of the city and state.”
Kuder says he and the Centralia Police Department will continue to monitor establishments and conduct regular inspections.
