West Haven Businesses Cited In Tobacco Compliance Checks

WEST HAVEN, CT — Seven West Haven businesses were cited for illegally selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 during recent unannounced compliance checks, according to police.

West Haven police, along with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program, conducted eight compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products and electronic cigarettes on Feb. 8.

“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.”

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

Tobacco retailers are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. Non-compliant compliant inspection results are referred to DRS for possible administrative action, according to police.

The following retailers were found to be non-compliant:

1. Smokers; 596 1st Ave

2. Xtra Fuels Food Mart; 750 1st Ave

3. Puff City; 293 Elm Street

4. Smokers Variety Market; 193 Boston Post Road

5. Smokers Variety; 912 Boston Post Road

6. Cigarette Express; 307 Captain Thomas Boulevard

7. Krauzers; 10 Jones Hill Road

The following retailer was found to be compliant:

1. West Side Vape Shop; 785 Campbell