Owner Vows Changes After Violation Sparks Enforcement Action
The Reading Board of Health voted last Monday night to impose a $2,000 fine and a seven-day suspension of the tobacco sales permit for Reading Shell at 110 Main Street, following a second violation of local tobacco regulations within a 36-month period.
According to Health Director Ade Solarin, the latest infraction occurred on September 27, 2025, when a 17-year-old compliance checker successfully purchased a disposable vape device without being asked for identification. The sale violated both state law, which requires ID checks for all tobacco purchases, and Reading’s stricter local regulation aimed at preventing youth nicotine use.
This is the station’s second offense. The first occurred in January 2024, resulting in a $1,000 fine and a three-day suspension. In addition, the FDA issued a warning letter earlier this year for a separate violation under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
Owner Kristina Sidiropoulos, accompanied by her attorney William Gramer, acknowledged responsibility and detailed steps taken to prevent future violations, including monthly staff retraining, signage, and a new point-of-sale system requiring ID scanning.
I take full responsibility for what happened,” Sidiropoulos told the Board. “We’ve invested in new technology and retraining to make sure this never happens again. I was shocked and deeply disappointed to learn about this violation.”
Despite those efforts, the Board emphasized that the regulations leave little room for leniency once a violation is confirmed.
The rules are clear. Our role is to determine whether the violation occurred, and it did,” said Chair Rick Lopez, noting the importance of maintaining consistency and protecting public health.
The suspension dates will be coordinated between the Health Department and the store. Under Reading’s regulations, a third violation within 36 months would trigger a 30-day suspension and $5,000 fine.
