MONROE, CT — Monroe police officers conducted unannounced compliance inspections of tobacco and electronic cigarette retailers in town Thursday, in a partnership with the State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program.
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 those under the age of 21.
Of 15 unannounced compliance inspections Thursday, three retailers were cited for violations and the offending clerks were issued $300 infractions. The retailers were:
- FM One Stop, 447 Monroe Turnpike.
- Chestnut Market/Shell, 133 Main St.
- Stop and Go Food Mart, 612 Main St.
The businesses were found noncompliant with Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-344: Sale of tobacco to a person under 21 or C.G.S 53-344(b); Sale of an e-cigarette to a person under 21.
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.
Tobacco retailers are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Noncompliant inspection results are referred to DRS for possible administrative action.
