Southington PD: 1 Retailer Fails Underage Tobacco Compliance Check

SOUTHINGTON, CT — One Southington retailer was cited after failing an underage tobacco compliance inspection conducted by local and state officials, according to the Southington Police Department.

On June 23, the Southington Police Departmentpartnered with the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program, STEPS, and Southington Youth Services to conduct 13 unannounced compliance inspections at businesses that sell tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.

The inspections were conducted to assess compliance with Connecticut laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to people under the age of 21.

Police said 12 of the 13 businesses inspected complied with state law.

One retailer, Cigar & Vape, 400 N. Main St., was found to violate Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-344 or Section 53-344b, which prohibit the sale of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes to anyone under 21.

According to police, the clerk involved was issued a first-time infraction carrying a $1,000 fine for selling tobacco to a minor.

State law also requires retailers to check a valid photo ID for anyone who appears to be younger than 30 before completing the sale of tobacco products or electronic cigarettes.

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, which licenses tobacco retailers, will receive the inspection results for possible administrative action against the non-compliant business.