Police: 2 Shops Fail Tobacco Compliance Inspections In Wilton

WILTON, CT — In a sting operation conducted alongside State agencies, the Wilton PD cited two businesses for selling tobacco and or vaping products to minors.

On Feb. 18, the Wilton Police Department and staff members of the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program (TPEP), conducted unannounced compliance inspections of shops 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, vaping, and/or tobacco products to underage buyers. Minors employed by TPEP attempted to purchase tobacco products to determine if a retailer was in compliance with state laws that forbid such sales to underage youth.

Out of the 12 unannounced compliance inspections conducted, police reported that two shops were found to be in violation. Police issued clerks at these shops an infraction in the amount of $300.

The cigarette dealer license holder at each establishment also faces additional administrative sanctions from the Department of Revenue Services, the state agency that issues the licenses. Note that the dealers and the clerks are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The shops found to be in violation were PVC Gulf, at 287 Danbury Road, and Shell Food Mart, at 210 Danbury Road.

It should also be noted, that the following businesses were found to be in compliance with the law:

• Mobil – 46 Danbury Road
• Diamond Deli – 285 Danbury Road
• Wilton Wine Shoppe – 203 Danbury Road
• Stop & Shop – 15 River Road
• Village Market – 108 Old Ridgefield Road
• Citgo/Wheels – 386 Danbury Road
• Shell Snak Shop – 912 Danbury Road
• Caraluzzi’s Georgetown Market – 920 Danbury Road
• Mobil Snak Shop – 932 Danbury Road
• Ancona's Wines & Liquor – 5 River Road