|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Following an administrative hearing on March 3, Livermore-based Cloud Smoke Shop’s retail license has been revoked for five years after repeated violations for selling vape and vape-related products, specifically to minors, according to a statement from the Livermore Police Department (LPD)
The shop's owner, 48-year-old Wahid Faroqi, is prohibited from selling all tobacco until 2027.
An inspection on Feb. 10 found 41 cases containing 244 vape products in an “employees only” room at Cloud Smoke Shop, formerly called Spark Smoke and Vape. LPD said the owner claimed he was planning to return the products but he was unable to provide invoices for them.
A Livermore ordinance prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco products, electronic smoking devices and electronic smoking fluid.
In January 2021, the store owner was cited for selling a flavored electronic smoking device to a minor decoy. He was then ordered to remove all vaping products from the store immediately. Last June, a store employee sold a vape product to a different minor decoy. The owner then received a 90-day suspension and was not allowed to sell any tobacco and nicotine products during that timeframe.
Despite these infractions, police said tips continued to come in that the business — located at 4088 East Ave. — was selling vape products to minors.
“This store is situated right across the street from a middle school and daycare, and they are selling to kids,” said Livermore Police Sgt. Paul Mayer. “It’s really hard for kids to not get addicted and if we can disrupt the supply chain, then they have to stop. It’s not only a financial burden for kids, but there are medical, health risks and depression associated with it.”
To report violations of businesses selling tobacco to minors, contact Sgt. Paul Mayer at 925-371-4846.
