Date: June 26, 2003
Contact:
Patty McQuillan
Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.232)
| For Release: Immediate
Date: June 26, 2003 |
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Contact:
Patty McQuillan
Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.232)
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ALE AGENTS ARREST SEVEN DURING TOBACCO COMPLIANCE CHECKS |
WILSON- In a continuing effort to crack down on tobacco sales to minors, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agents arrested seven sales clerks, three on June 20 and four on June 24.
As part of a Tobacco Compliance Check Campaign, two ALE agents checked 24 retail establishments in Wilson County that sell tobacco products. The seven 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 on June 24 to a customer less than 18 years of age:
These were the establishments charged on June 20th:
ALE District Supervisor Ron Gilliard said the following establishments that were checked DID NOT SELL and are to be commended for their efforts to guard our youth
For information, contact Agent Eric Swain, 252-514-4720 (office), or 877-781-8685 (pager).
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