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For Release: Immediate Contact: Patty McQuillan

Date: June 4, 2004 Phone: (919) 733-5027

ALE AGENTS ARREST 23 STORE CLERKS IN FIVE COUNTIES FOR SELLING TOBACCO TO MINORS

GREENSBORO – N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement agents arrested 23 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 99 retail establishments in Alamance, Montgomery, Randolph, Richmond and Rockingham 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 VI Supervisor Rodney E. Johnson at (336) 315-7070.