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Council fines and suspends two tobacco vendors after repeated compliance failures
Summary
The council imposed $1,000 civil penalties and 14‑day license suspensions for Oz Tobacco LLC (Jan.1–14) and Shaheen LLC (Marathon) after each accumulated three compliance failures in the statutory review period; council debated suspension length before voting to impose 14 days.
The Mankato City Council on Dec. 8 approved penalties and 14‑day suspensions for two tobacco license holders after public‑safety compliance checks found repeated violations.
City licensing staff reported that Oz Tobacco Shop (201 N. Victory Drive) failed three compliance checks (Aug. 24, Nov. 3 and Nov. 20) involving underage purchase attempts. State statute provides for escalating enforcement after multiple offenses; staff recommended a $1,000 civil penalty and a 14‑day license suspension to start Jan. 1 so the renewal process timeline is clear. Council members questioned why staff recommended 14 days when the statutory minimum is 7 days; staff said the higher suspension reflects enforcement emphasis and prior council direction.
Council discussed consistency and precedent in enforcement; several members supported the 14‑day suspension as necessary to set expectations for licensees. The council adopted the resolution by voice vote.
A similar presentation and outcome followed for Shaheen LLC (Marathon, 729 N. Riverfront Drive), which had three compliance violations (June 26, Oct. 13 and Nov. 20). Council approved a $1,000 civil penalty and a 14‑day suspension for that license as well.
Staff advised that a fourth strike within the 36‑month period could trigger revocation per code. The resolutions leave open enforcement options for subsequent violations and require staff to track compliance per the city’s licensing matrix.
