5 Businesses Caught Selling Tobacco To Minors In Stratford: PD

STRATFORD, CT — Five Stratford businesses were caught selling tobacco products to a minor during a recent unannounced compliance check, according to police. On May 1, Stratford Police and members of the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) conducted unannounced compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products. The inspections were performed in an “effort to determine compliance with state laws concerning the prohibition of the sale of cigarettes and/or tobacco products to youth under the age of 18,” according to police.

Under the direction and supervision of DMHAS investigators, an underage youth employed by the Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program, entered the establishments and attempted to purchase tobacco products.

Police conducted 15 unannounced compliance checks and five businesses were found to have sold tobacco products to a minor. The offending clerks were issued a $200 infraction, according to Capt. Frank Eannotti.

Eannotti said the Cigarette Dealer License holder at each establishment also faces additional administrative sanctions from the Department of Revenue Services the state agency that issues Cigarette Dealer Licenses.

The establishments found to be in violation are as follows:

Boston Ave. Mart: 265 Boston Ave.

Future Market: 2336 Barnum Ave.

Lordship Shell: 145 Lordship Blvd.

Success Ave. Citgo: 605 Success Ave.

EZ Mart: 3355 Main St.

Police also noted that the following businesses were found in compliance with the law:

24/7 Express: 1607 Barnum Ave.

Stratford Food Center: 11 Woodend Road

Checkers Food Store and Deli: 1796 Barnum Ave.

Citgo Food Mart: 2000 Barnum Ave.

Shell Gas Station: 2275 Broadbridge Ave.

Billows and Blaze 1056 Stratford Avenue

Bruce Corner Market LLC: 189 Bruce Ave.

JM Gas LLC: 805 Main St.

Delta Food and Fuel: 1219 Stratford Ave.

Citgo Gas: 1725 Stratford Ave.