State cites local stores

with underage tobacco sales

By Melanie Davis

During the month of May, agents of the N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement office randomly visited 32 tobacco retailers in Watauga County to investigate the sale of tobacco products to minors. Six clerks were cited for sale to minor.

According to district tobacco coordinator agent Guy Schliewnz, in the case of underage tobacco sales, the clerk is cited. In the case of underage alcohol sales the business as well as the clerk are cited.

The charge of underage tobacco sale is a class II misdemeanor. The maximum punishment for a first time offender is a fine up to $1,000 and/or order community punishment of up to 30 days if the defendant has no prior convictions. If the clerk does have prior convictions, he or she could be serving time in jail.

Schliewnz provided the business names, but was unable to provide the clerks’ identification. The retailers at which employees were cited include 3 Way Grocery on U.S. 421 South in Deep Gap, CVS Pharmacy on N.C. 105 in Boone, Phil’s Citgo Service Center on Hardin Street in Boone, Scotchman 92 on Blowing Rock Road in Boone, Smokes ‘n More on Southgate Drive in Boone, and Wilco Service Station on N.C. 105 in Boone.
Retailers are subject to random compliance checks by ALE agents a minimum of once per year, according to Schliewnz.

He added, businesses are generally checked more frequently if a citation has been issued at that location.
Compliance checks began five years ago. ALE director William Chandler attributes a significant drop in underage sales to the program.

“We will continue to conduct unannounced compliance checks at retail sales outlets to ensure young people cannot purchase cigarettes or any other tobacco product,” Chandler said.

The N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund sponsors the tobacco check program to prevent young people from smoking. In North Carolina, surveys show that 90 percent of adult smokers began using cigarettes before age 18.

A statement issued by ALE asserts the use of tobacco products often leads to other drugs and increases the likelihood of a young person’s activity with theft or other criminal activities.

The district covered by Schliewnz includes Alexander, Avery, Ashe, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Iredell, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin counties.

During the May compliance checks in the area, a total of 21 citations were issued out of 122 retail establishments visited.