Selling Vape Products, Alcohol To Kids: Clarkstown Police

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Clarkstown police announced the results Wednesday of compliance checks made during August regarding the minimum age purchase laws for the sale of e-cigarette (vape) and alcohol products.

The Clarkstown Police Department SMART Sales Unit, in conjunction with officers of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC), conducted compliance checks of local businesses using underage, undercover agents working alongside members of the Clarkstown Police Department and SPCC.

"The Clarkstown Police Department is aware of the dramatic increase in the usage of vape devices amongst our youth," officials said. "We will continue to enforce all applicable laws regarding this matter and all matters to protect the children of our community."

Thirteen businesses within the Town of Clarkstown were checked during the operation.

Nine businesses were found to be in compliance including: DinoMart New City, West Clarkstown Mini Mart, Food Mart USA, Comfort Mart Nanuet, Aladdin Vapes, Cloud 99 Vapes, Citgo Nanuet, Nanuet Mini Mart and Good Guy Vapes.

Two businesses sold a vape product to an underage agent including: Smoke Shop 170 S. Main St New City in Clarkstown Plaza and Danny Vapor 116 Route 304 Bardonia.

Two businesses sold both vape and alcohol products to an underage agent including: Rose’s Deli 189 Main St Nanuet and Gulf Mart 279 S. Little Tor Rd. New City.

Employees of these businesses were arrested and charged with Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 1st Degree (class A misdemeanor) and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child 2nd Degree (class B misdemeanor).

The SMART Sales Unit conducts compliance checks of alcohol and tobacco retailers. Subsequent educational classes are provided to retailers regarding the safe and lawful sale of these products. The goal is to decrease the opportunity of alcohol or vape/tobacco reaching the youth of our community.