Wallingford Businesses Cited In Tobacco Sting Operation

WALLINGFORD, CT — Three Wallingford businesses were cited for illegally selling tobacco products to a minor during unannounced compliance check operations on Wednesday, according to police. The Wallingford Police Department’s Community Police Unit, working in conjunction with staff members from the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program (TPEP), conducted unannounced compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products within the town.

Police said 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.

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 31 unannounced compliance inspections were conducted. Of the 31 inspections, three establishments were found to have illegally sold tobacco to a minor. The offending clerks were issued infractions in the amount of $200, according to police.

Police said the Cigarette Dealer license holder at the establishments found in violation will be referred to the Department of Revenue Services for additional administrative sanctions. Police also remind everyone that as of Oct. 1, 2008 it is illegal for any person under the age of 18 to possess/smoke/use any tobacco product in public.

The establishments found to be in violation were:

• Empire Wine and liquor Superstore, 1145 N. Colony Rd.
• Wallingford Foodland, 250 S. Colony Rd.
• Zee Pit Stop Gas Stop LLC, 66 Woodhouse Ave.

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