Lawrence smoke shop’s license suspended for 7 days after allegedly selling to underage buyers

photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

The Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St. is pictured Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

The retail license of a Lawrence smoke shop has been suspended for seven days after the store allegedly sold products to people under 21 years old.

According to a news release from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, the license of Puffing Bear Smoke Shop, 810 W. 23rd St., will be suspended from Dec. 1 at midnight through Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. The illegal sales resulted in two convictions within a 36-month period, the release said.

The health department has conducted multiple inspections at Puffing Bear and the most recent violation occurred despite prior warning and intervention, the release said.

During the suspension period, the shop is prohibited from selling any tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and related items. Puffing Bear is also required to remove all tobacco products and advertising from public view. If the shop fails to comply, it could face further enforcement actions, including additional fines or permanent revocation of its license.

“Keeping tobacco out of the hands of those under 21 is a shared responsibility,” Jonathan Smith, executive director of the health department, said in the release. “This suspension underscores our commitment to protecting youth and supporting a healthier community. This also serves as a reminder to all tobacco retailers of their obligation to comply with the law.”

The release said “it is worth noting that tobacco retailers in the City of Lawrence outnumber grocery stores, parks, and schools, further emphasizing the importance of strict enforcement of tobacco sales laws.”

The health department oversees the City of Lawrence’s tobacco retail licensing program, which includes enforcing regulations on sales to individuals under 21. From November 2024 through mid-February 2025, the department conducted 65 compliance checks. Nine retailers — 13% of those checked — were found to have sold tobacco products to underage purchasers.