For Release: Immediate 
Date: June 26, 2003
NC CCPS Logo
Contact: Patty McQuillan
Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.232)

ALE AGENTS ARREST SIX DURING TOBACCO COMPLIANCE CHECKS


FARMVILLE - North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents arrested six people June 24 for selling tobacco products to underage children.

As part of a Tobacco Compliance Check Campaign, two ALE agents checked seven retail establishments in Pitt County that sell tobacco products. The cashiers were in violation of the law by allegedly selling cigarettes 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, "Hopefully, this campaign will emphasize how important it is for store clerks to check the ID's 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.

During the campaign, the following locations were identified as establishments, which sold tobacco products to a customer less than 18 years of age:

  1. JR'S Supermarket
    210 South Main Street
    Farmville, NC
  2. CVS Pharmacy
    222 East Main Street
    Farmville, NC
  3. Food Lion #546
    220 East Main Street
    Farmville, NC
  4. Trade Mart #56
    103 East Marlboro Rd.
    Farmville, NC
  5. Quick Stop
    300 South Main Street
    Farmville, NC
  6. Main Street Tobacco Shop
    106 North Main Street
    Farmville, NC

ALE Supervisor Ron Gilliard said the following establishment that was checked DID NOT SELL and is to be commended for their efforts to guard our youth:

  1. Stop and Shop
    1401 South Main Street
    Farmville, NC

For information, contact Agent Eric Swain, 252-514-4720 (office).

###


To the top of this page
Back to Top
Back to CCPS Main Web Page
CCPS Home
Back to the New Release List
Back to News Release List