For Release: Immediate  Date: December 10, 2003

Contact: Patty McQuillan Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.232)

ASHEVILLE - N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement agents charged 12 people in six western counties in November 2003 for selling tobacco to under-aged children.

As part of a Tobacco Compliance Check Campaign, seven ALE agents checked 63 retail establishments in Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson, Graham, McDowell and Watauga counties that sell tobacco products. The cashiers were in violation of the law by allegedly selling either 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 Roberston, "Hopefully, this campaign will 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. Statewide during the month of November, a total of 205 clerks were charged with selling tobacco to minors.

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Editor's Note: For a listing of the businesses that were checked, you may contact the ALE District IX office at 828 -298 - 4880.

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