A cashier displays a packet of tobacco-flavored Juul pods at a store in San Francisco on June 17, 2019. Associated Press photo
Samantha Maldonado / AP file
published on August 18, 2026 – 4:23 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
The Fresno County Department of Public Health and law enforcement officials have received nearly $2 million in state funding aimed at reducing illegal tobacco sales and marketing to people under 21.
The department and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday they received a $1.99 million competitive grant through the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program.
The funding runs through June 30, 2029.
The grant will support enforcement of California’s flavored tobacco ban, minor decoy operations, retailer education programs, task force coordination and training for officers on tobacco laws and ordinances.
“Receiving the Tobacco Grant reinforces our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our residents,” said Joe Prado, director of the Fresno County Department of Public Health. “The Fresno County Department of Public Health is proud to partner with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Justice to support local retailers in complying with the law and preventing underage youth from accessing tobacco products.”
County officials said flavored tobacco products remain widely available despite the state ban. Among California students who reported current e-cigarette use in 2024, 89.5% used flavored products, which have been banned in California since Jan. 1, 2023.
The funding comes weeks after Fresno City Council leaders proposed a citywide tobacco retailer licensing program aimed at strengthening enforcement against retailers selling illegal products, particularly flavored tobacco products marketed toward youth.
Councilmember Nelson Esparza said Fresno is the largest California city without a tobacco retailer licensing program.
More than half of Fresno County students live near tobacco retailers, according to the county. Officials also cited research finding that exposure to tobacco marketing and advertising increases the likelihood of youth trying tobacco products by 60%.
Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said the grant will provide resources to enforce state tobacco laws, reduce underage access and educate retailers about their responsibilities.
The program is funded through Proposition 56, the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Act of 2016.