ASHEVILLE – N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement agents arrested four store clerks during the month of October for selling tobacco to underage children.

As part of a Tobacco Compliance Check Campaign, three ALE agents checked 31 retail establishments in Polk and Swain counties that sell tobacco products. The cashiers were in violation of the law by allegedly selling cigars, cigarettes, snuff or bulk tobacco to customers who were younger than 18. ALE agents issued a criminal citation to each of the store clerks.

“The law is clear that selling tobacco to children is illegal,” said ALE Director Mike Robertson. “This compliance check campaign should emphasize how important it is for store clerks to check the IDs of young people to be sure they are not selling tobacco or alcohol to underage children.”

ALE's Tobacco Education and Compliance Check Program is conducted in partnership with the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission. It is also a cooperative effort among community agencies, local law enforcement agencies, merchants, parents, and teens.

ALE has 76 agents across North Carolina who enforce alcohol and tobacco laws.

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Editor's note: For a list of establishments that sold tobacco or did not sell, contact ALE District IX Supervisor Ron Kaylor at (828).298.4880.