Chautauqua County health leaders are recommending a Fredonia establishment be banned from ever selling tobacco again.

During the recent county Board of Health meeting, board members discussed Fredonia Food Mart, Inc. located at 33 Temple St.

Jessica Wuerstle with the county Department of Health, said in January, 2023, shortly after the business changed hands, an individual working there sold a tobacco product to a minor. The minor worked for the county and was told to try to buy tobacco from the establishment, which they do at every business in the county over a period of time.

Wuerstle said the owner agreed to settle the case and paid a $300 fine plus an additional $250.

Then in February, 2024 during a follow up inspection, the business again sold a tobacco product to a minor.

They ended up paying a $1,000 fine plus $250 surcharge. In addition, the business was banned from selling tobacco products for a year.

Wuerstle said the state had the county follow up to ensure they weren’t selling tobacco there.

In August, the county staff visited the establishment and saw flavored vapes and Gutka, a smokeless chewing tobacco, for sale.

“There wasn’t a sale attempt because this was just our staff making sure they were complying with the suspension. It was just us observing that they did have multiple products in the facility,” she said.

The case went before a hearing officer who ruled that the establishment did violate the state’s order to not to have any tobacco products inside available for purchase.

The county Board of Health voted to fine Fredonia Food Mart, Inc. $3,850. That amount includes multiple fines and surcharges.

The Board of Health also voted to make a recommendation to the state that Fredonia Food Mart, Inc. be banned from ever selling tobacco products again.

The state Tax Department has final say regarding banning licenses for selling tobacco products.