Meriden Businesses Cited In Tobacco Compliance Checks

MERIDEN, CT — Six Meriden businesses were cited for illegally selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 during unannounced compliance checks on Wednesday, according to police.

Meriden police, along with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program, conducted 12 compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products and electronic cigarettes

“The inspections were performed in an effort to determine compliance with state laws concerning the prohibition of the sale of e-cigarettes and /or tobacco products to youth under the age of 21,” police wrote in a news release. “Retailers are required by state law to inspect the photo ID of anyone who appears under the age of 30 before selling a tobacco product or electronic cigarette.”

Six businesses out of the 12 unannounced compliance inspections were found to be non-compliant, according to police. The offending clerks were issued a first-time $300 infraction, police said.

The following retailers were found to be non-compliant:

1. Irving Prime Mart, 978 Broad St.

2. Kuick Stop, 183 Broad St.

3. Sams Food Mart, 343 W. Main St.

4. Mobil, 407 W. Main St.

5. Cali Smoker, 515 W. Main St.

6. AB Convenience and Deli, 269 Main St.

“The Meriden Police Department values its partnerships with DMHAS and other state/local agencies working together to help protect children in Meriden,” police said.