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For Release: Immediate Contact: Patty McQuillan

Date: June 3, 2004 Phone: (919) 733-5027

ALE AGENTS ARREST 79 STORE CLERKS FOR SELLING TOBACCO TO MINORS IN GASTON AND MECKLENBURG

CHARLOTTE – N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement agents arrested 79 store clerks during the month of May for selling tobacco to underage children.

As part of a Tobacco Compliance Check Campaign five ALE agents checked 280 retail establishments in Gaston and Mecklenburg 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.

“Store clerks need to carefully check the IDs of young people who are trying to purchase tobacco products to make sure they are not underage,” said ALE Director Mike Robertson.  “Selling tobacco to minors is illegal, and store clerks who either willfully or inadvertently sell to minors can stain their own record.”

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 VIII Supervisor Richard Griffin or Assistant Supervisor Michael Yates at (704)342-6322.