For Release: Immediate  Date: July 14, 2003

Contact: Renee Hoffman Director of Public Affairs Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.231)

RALEIGH - North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents conducted tobacco sales compliance checks in the counties of Guilford, Yadkin and Alleghany over the last few days in their ongoing effort to prevent youth access to tobacco products.

As part of a Tobacco Compliance Check Campaign, ALE agents checked 20 retail establishments in Guilford County that sell tobacco products n July 9; only five sold to minors. Twenty-four locations in Yadkin County where checked on July 10 and only four sold to minors. Fourteen locations were checked in Alleghany County on July 11 and six of those sold to minors.

"The law is clear that selling tobacco to youth under age 18 is illegal," said ALE Director Mike Robertson, "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 those who are underage."

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 information, contact: ALE Agent Chris Poole, 336-315-7062

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