Operation Clean Air: Paulding County's Wake-Up Call on Underage Vape Sales

In June 2025, Paulding County, Georgia, became the focal point of a significant crackdown on underage vape sales. The operation, called "Operation Clean Air," was a two-month undercover effort by the Paulding County Sheriff's Office and the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force. Its results were shocking: seven people were arrested for selling vape products to minors, and nine out of ten targeted stores failed to comply with the law.

This effort was sparked by concerns raised in local schools. Reports of students caught vaping on campus had grown, pushing authorities to act. Undercover officers used underage buyers to see if local vape retailers would comply with the law. In almost every case, they didn’t.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Broken System

The numbers are alarming. When nine out of ten stores sell to minors during a sting, it shows that compliance isn’t just slipping, it’s completely broken. This isn’t a case of one or two employees making a mistake. It’s a system-wide failure that puts minors at risk and exposes businesses to serious legal and financial consequences.

Sheriff Ashley Henson didn’t mince words when discussing the results. He emphasized that these operations will continue, and that law enforcement has no intention of backing down. The health and safety of kids is at stake, and the law is clear: selling vape products to minors is illegal, period.

Compliance checks like Operation Clean Air aren’t a one-time event. They’re part of an ongoing effort to protect minors and hold businesses accountable. When compliance breaks down to this degree, enforcement becomes a priority. And that means more stings, more fines, and more headlines.

For businesses, these numbers are a wake-up call. A single sale to a minor can lead to criminal charges, steep fines, and a permanent stain on your reputation. Nine out of ten stores failing suggests a culture of complacency, not just human error. And until that changes, enforcement operations will keep coming.

The Real Cost of Failing a Sting

For retailers, the message is clear: selling vape products to minors carries steep penalties. In Georgia, this can mean criminal charges, hefty fines, and potential damage to your license or permit. And that’s just the start. Violations can lead to more frequent inspections, making your business a target for future compliance checks.

But beyond the legal penalties, there’s also the hit to your reputation. Customers hear about these busts, and once the news breaks, it’s hard to rebuild trust. Bad press and social media chatter can linger, turning a one-time mistake into a long-term challenge. Competitors may seize the opportunity to highlight their own compliance record, and customers may choose to shop elsewhere. That’s why taking compliance seriously isn’t just about avoiding citations, it’s about protecting the future of your business.

Creating a Culture of Accountability

This operation should serve as a wake-up call. Compliance isn’t optional. It’s essential. Businesses must take underage sales seriously, and that starts with rigorous training and proactive testing. That’s where mock stings come in. Unlike real stings run by law enforcement, mock stings are private. They’re controlled. They give your team the chance to get it right before the real tests arrive.

Mock stings test your staff in real-world scenarios. Will they check ID every time? Will they catch a fake date of birth? Or will they skip the check to keep the line moving? These are real decisions made every day. A mock sting turns them into teachable moments without the threat of a citation.

When done right, mock stings build accountability. Employees know that ID checks are a core part of the job, not an afterthought. And over time, they create habits that protect your business.

Why Stinger Compliance is the Partner You Need

Stinger Compliance specializes in these private, anonymous mock stings. We test your team, find the gaps, and help you close them. That way, you’re not caught off guard when real stings like Operation Clean Air come to your neighborhood.

Don’t wait for a fine or a news headline to show you the risks. Mock stings cost far less than a real violation, and they’re an investment in your business’s long-term safety and success.

Learn more about how Stinger Compliance can help you stay compliant and protect your reputation at stingercompliance.com.