For Release: Immediate  Date: December 10, 2003

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

GREENSBORO- NC Alcohol Law Enforcement agents charged 26 people in five counties during the month of November for selling tobacco to underage children.

As part of a Tobacco Compliance Check Campaign, six ALE agents checked 229 retail establishments in Guilford, Alamance, Moore, Anson and Richmond 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.

"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 enforces alcohol and tobacco laws.

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Editor’s note: Click here for a lists of businesses that sold or that did not sell.

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