For Release: Immediate  Date: August 8, 2003

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

EASTERN N.C. - North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents in two eastern districts arrested 64 people for selling tobacco products to an under-aged person during the month of July. A total of 328 retail establishments were checked in Wilson, Pitt, Greene, Lenoir, Bladen and Duplin counties.

As part of a Tobacco Compliance Check Campaign, five ALE agents checked 75 retail establishments that sell tobacco products in Bladen and Duplin counties and seven ALE agents checked 253 retail establishments in Wilson, Pitt, Greene, Lenoir and Pamlico counties.

The cashiers in violation of the law had allegedly sold 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 under-age 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.

For a list of locations in Wilson, Pitt, Greene, Lenoir and Pamlico, contact ALE District II Supervisor Ron Gilliard, 252-514-4720.

For a list of locations that were checked in Bladen and Duplin counties, contact ALE District III Supervisor Ted Carlton, 910-395-3902.

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