§ 32A-10. Compliance monitoring.

(a)

Compliance with this chapter shall be monitored by the department. The county may designate any number of persons to monitor compliance with this chapter.

(b)

The department, or other person designated to enforce the provisions of this chapter shall inspect each tobacco retailer at least once every twelve (12) months. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office shall also have authority to assist in the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. Nothing in this paragraph shall create a right of action in any licensee or other person against the county or its agents.

(c)

The county shall not enforce any law establishing a minimum age for tobacco purchases or possession against a person who otherwise might be in violation of such law because of the person's age (hereinafter "youth decoy") if the potential violation occurs when:

(1)

The youth decoy is participating in an inspection supervised by a peace officer, code enforcement official, or the person designated by the county to monitor compliance with this chapter;

(2)

The youth decoy is acting as an agent of a person designated by the county to monitor compliance with this chapter; or

(3)

The youth decoy is participating in an inspection funded in part, either directly or indirectly through subcontracting, by the county of Sonoma Department of Health Services or the California Department of Health Services.

( Ord. No. 6149, § I , 4-19-2016)