Council amends tobacco licensing code to raise fines, fees and renewal penalties; council to review sting results later this year

DeKALB, Ill. — The DeKalb City Council on Aug. 11 approved amendments to Chapter 64 (smoking regulations) to increase fines for the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors, raise tobacco-license application fees and establish penalties for late renewal submissions. What changed: Staff and the city attorney presented options after regional research on tobacco fines; council ultimately approved language that raises the fine for illegal sales (the proposal referenced increasing a previous penalty of $150 to $1,000) and adds differentiated sanctions for employees and licensees discussed in the meeting (council referenced a $300 sanction for the individual who made a sale in addition to higher penalties for the business owner). Council discussion: Alderman Walker urged stronger enforcement and simpler compliance at point-of-sale, saying, "All they have to do is say, hey, can I see your ID?" Council members said fines are one tool in a broader enforcement toolkit that includes license suspension and revocation. Staff noted that license suspensions and administrative hearings are available and that the council retains discretion on penalty levels. The city manager suggested revisiting the ordinance after another enforcement "sting" later in the year and said staff would notify license holders about compliance expectations. Action: Council voted to waive second reading and adopt the ordinance amendments on a unanimous roll call. Council asked staff to monitor sting results and return with recommendations if repeat problems persist. Discussion vs. decision: The council adopted a code amendment (ordinance 2025-036) that raises penalties and fees; it did not set an immediate higher fine beyond the adopted amendment but left open the option to return with stricter penalties after enforcement data. Next steps: Staff will perform compliance outreach to license holders, monitor enforcement stings and bring further recommendations if necessary.