37 charged in illegal tobacco sales
Published: Sat, Aug. 09, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Sat, Aug. 09, 2008 01:28AM
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closeState agents charged 37 store clerks with selling tobacco products to minors in Wake, Durham, Orange and Person counties in June and July.
State Alcohol Law Enforcement officers randomly check stores every month to make sure clerks are asking for identification and refusing sales to those younger than 18. In June and July, the ALE agents checked 206 stores in the four counties.
ALE Director William Chandler said in a news release that tobacco sales to underage buyers have dropped significantly since the state started the checks five years ago.
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The N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund pays for the tobacco check program.
A clerk who is convicted for the first time of selling tobacco products to a minor faces a possible fine of $1,000 or community punishment up to 30 days. The law allows jail time for a clerk with prior convictions.
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