Two Wallingford Businesses Cited in Tobacco Sting Operation

WALLINGFORD, CT — Two Wallingford businesses were cited for illegally selling tobacco to a minor during a recent sting operation.

On Nov. 4, the Wallingford Police Department’s Community Police Unit and staff members from the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program (TPEP), conducted unannounced compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products within Wallingford.

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 youths under the age of 18, according to Sgt. Shelly Samselski.

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.

A total of 30 unannounced compliance inspections were conducted and two were establishments were found to be in violation of illegal sale or delivery of tobacco to minors.

The offending clerks at the establishment were issued infractions in the amount of $200. The cigarette dealer license holder at the establishments found in violation will be referred to the Department of Revenue Services for additional administrative sanctions, according to Samselski.

“Additionally, everyone is reminded that as of October 1, 2008 it is illegal for any person under the age of 18 years old to possess/smoke/use any tobacco product in public,” Samselski said in the press release.

The establishments found to be in violation were:

• Mukie Mart 822 E Center St. Wallingford
• Gulf Express 440 Main St. Yalesville

Image via Shutterstock

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• CT Daycare Worker Breaks 3-Year-Old’s Arm: PD; Groping Suspect Caught; Woman Spotted Shooting Heroin with Kid in Car: CT News