FDL County Resolution Creates Fines And Fees For Tobacco Compliance Checks

Fond du Lac County supervisors last night approved an amendment to a County ordinance that will allow Sheriff’s deputies to cite stores who sell tobacco products to minors. The vote on the resolution was postponed last month because supervisors wanted a clearer picture of what the fine and court costs should be. Corporation Counsel Bill Bendt reviewed what the other six municipalities with similar ordinances are charging for first, second and subsequent offenses. Ultimately the supervisors approved $100 plus court costs for the first offense and $200 plus court costs for the second and subsequent offenses. Currently that would make the costs about $263.50 for the first offense and $389.50 for the second, but the way the amended ordinance is structured it would allow for increases in court costs should the state call for them. The supervisors ultimately amended the ordinance by a 22 to 1 vote after a pair of unanimous votes on the fine and court costs structure. Supervisor Herb Ottery voted against the resolution. The resolution will allow the 5 Counties for Tobacco Free Living to work with deputies on random tobacco compliance checks.