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Richfield suspends Lindale Pump & Munch tobacco license for 90 days after inspection finds flavored products and underage‑sale complaints
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to suspend the tobacco license of Lindale Pump & Munch for 90 days and place the business on three years’ probation after staff and state findings of flavored‑product and underage‑sale violations; the resolution conditions future violations on immediate revocation through 02/12/2028.
The Richfield City Council voted unanimously on May 13 to suspend the tobacco license for Lindale Pump & Munch, 6300 Lindale Avenue South, for 90 days beginning May 13, 2025, and to place the business on a three‑year probationary period. The council also directed that any additional violations of city code or state law relating to tobacco sales before Feb. 12, 2028, will trigger immediate revocation of the license.
Councilmember Hayford O'Leary introduced the resolution after staff presented an executive summary that described a pattern of violations since the flavored‑product prohibition took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. Staff reported multiple tips alleging underage sales, refusal to allow regulators expected access, and a search warrant that allegedly found 2,412 inventory items in violation of city code. Those details were documented in the council packet and in the draft resolution.
The licensee's attorney, Mitchell Hadler, addressed the council on behalf of owner Mohamed Salaev, accepted responsibility, and described steps the business has agreed to undertake: enhanced owner oversight, documented employee training on city and state tobacco rules, upgraded ID‑verification protocols (including a planned ID‑scanning machine), compliance testing, cooperation with the Department of Public Safety, and scheduled check‑ins with inspectors. Hadler said the licensee consented to the 90‑day suspension and a three‑year probationary period and asked the council to allow the business to correct course rather than revoke the license.
During council discussion several members said the violations were serious. Councilmember Burke noted this was the fourth recorded violation since the owner took over the store and identified the THC‑containing products as an especially troubling element. Councilmember Coleman Woods said parental concern about what is sold at the store influenced her view and urged the licensee to tighten compliance. Multiple councilmembers said staff had initially recommended revocation but supported the negotiated suspension as a practical path that still holds the business to strict future consequences.
The council received and entered into the record a petition and letters of support for the business, which the licensee provided. The council then moved and seconded the resolution authorizing the suspension; the vote was unanimous. Staff recorded that additional violations before Feb. 12, 2028, will result in immediate revocation of the tobacco license.
