Tobacco Sales Inspections

Show No Violators

During a series of unannounced tobacco sales inspections held last week by town police and state officials, none of the 16 businesses that were visited which sell tobacco products made any illegal tobacco sales to undercover agents, according to police.

In the past during such investigations, typically one or more local businesses would illegally sell tobacco products to underage undercover agents working for state inspectors.

In such investigations, underage youths who are employed by the Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program of the state’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), enter local businesses and attempt to illegally purchase tobacco products. The undercover youths are supervised by DMHAS investigators with the assistance of local police.

When tobacco sales violations occur, the clerk who makes an illegal sale is subject to an infraction bearing a $200 fine.

Also, when tobacco sales violations occur, the person who holds the cigarette dealer license at the offending business is subject to administrative punishments by the state Department of Revenue Services, which is the state agency that issues cigarette dealer licenses.

In Connecticut, people under age 18 are prohibited by law from buying tobacco products. Also, it is illegal for any person under age 18 to possess, to smoke, or to use tobacco products in public.

Among the various businesses visited during the January 12 tobacco inspections were gas stations, convenience stores, liquor stores, delicatessens, a supermarket, a retail store, and a bar.