Fargo judge fines two stores $500, orders 12 months probation after under‑21 tobacco sales

A Fargo Municipal Court judge on an open public hearing found two stores in violation of local rules prohibiting sales of tobacco products to persons under 21 and ordered each to pay a $500 fine and serve 12 months of probation.

The city alleged that on April 29, 2026, a person under 21 bought a "grape wrap" — a rolling/wrap paper that can be used for tobacco — at Redemption Ink and Glass, 2512 7th Avenue South, Fargo. Al Amsbaugh, a part owner of Redemption Ink and Glass, appeared and "We admit to the allegation," he said, while explaining the store does not sell conventional tobacco products and that staff had believed some items were subject to an 18‑year age standard for CBD products.

The judge said oral findings would be issued that day and written findings would follow. The city noted Redemption holds a state tobacco license and that notice was provided to the store by manager and registered‑agent addresses. Amsbaugh described steps the business has taken since the incident, saying it has posted signs restricting smoking accessories to customers 21 and older, made noncompliance a terminable offense for employees and is considering an ID reader to verify ages.

A store employee told the court that employees carded the buyer, who they believed to be 19, reflecting confusion about different age limits: "In the state of North Dakota, it's 18" for CBD products, the employee said, while the judge noted the local tobacco‑product rule sets the minimum at 21. Amsbaugh acknowledged responsibility and said the store would improve its compliance procedures.

Treating Redemption's case as a first offense, the judge "going to do the usual $500 fine in 12 months of probation," and directed that written findings and an invoice be sent to the business. The judge explained that a second offense within the probation period would trigger increased penalties and possible suspension.

The city then presented a similar allegation against Casey's General Store, 2002 25th Street South, asserting that during a compliance check on April 29 a person under 21 purchased a smokeless tobacco product. Certified notice to Casey's was dated May 14, 2026, but no one appeared for the store. The judge found a violation and ordered the same penalty: a $500 fine and 12 months' probation to be noticed to Casey's.

The proceedings closed after the city concluded its matters; the court will issue written findings and the stores can appeal as allowed by law.