Illegal tobacco sales lead to costs | News, sports, jobs

A Jamestown, N.Y., man is facing charges after allegedly selling unlicensed tobacco products in Conewango Township.

The state Bureau of Enforcement and Taxpayer Assistance cited Michael R. Martinelli of Jamestown with two counts of selling without a permit on Oct. 29. According to the state Department of Revenue citation, a check at Big Puff’s, 2761 Market St. Ext., Conewango Township, allegedly showed the store was selling tobacco products without the proper license. But a check on the state’s Open Data website revealed that the company reportedly has a cigarette/OTP Retail license that expires in February 2025.

“On or about the said date, the suspect engaged in the retail sale of other tobacco products without a prescription, without possessing a valid license for other retail tobacco products,” is stated in the quote.

Cigarettes may only be legally distributed in Pennsylvania by dealers licensed by the Department of Revenue. Tobacco product licenses are applied for through the Pennsylvania Online Business Tax Registration service. Wholesale and manufacturer licenses are $1,500 per location. Retailer licenses cost $25 per location.