Store warned for selling cigarette gum

ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A retro-themed soda shop in Minnesota was issued a warning for violating an ordinance banning the sales of cigarette-themed treats.

Workers at Lynden's in St. Paul said a city inspections official visited the store Dec. 19 and issued a warning for a violation of a 3-year-old ordinance banning the sale of tobacco-themed confections, The Minneapolis Star reported Thursday.

The store had been selling gum packaged to resemble cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco. Workers said the items have been in stock since the store opened in April.

"We got busted [Dec. 19] by the City of St. Paul. Oops," the shop posted on its Twitter account.

"We had no idea," owner Tobi Lynden said of the ordinance Wednesday. "We don't want to get on the bad side of St. Paul."

Lynden said the cigarette gum had been the store's bestselling candy. She said the inspector told her the warning had been based on a complaint from a customer.

Officials said the store could face a $500 fine if it is found to be violating the ordinance a second time.