4 stores sold tobacco to minors

WEST HAVEN — Four of 25 local stores were found in violation of state tobacco laws during surprise inspections Wednesday, city officials said.

The shops sold either tobacco or e-cigarettes to a person under 21, said city spokesperson Michael P. Walsh.

“Retailers are required by state law to inspect the photo ID of anyone who appears under age 30 before selling a tobacco product or an e-cigarette,” Walsh said.

Free online training is available to retailers at https://www.ctclearinghouse.org/tobacco-merchant, he said in a news release.

Stores that failed Wednesday’s compliance checks were Smoker’s Variety, 193 Boston Post Road; Take Away Market, 983 Boston Post Road; A1 Discount Liquors, 1055 Boston Post Road; and West Haven Smoke World, 315 York St., according to the release.

The offending store clerks at the establishments were issued a firsttime $300 ticket. The fine goes up to $700 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third, with a potential suspension.

“Our agency is committed to holding those accountable that are intentionally poisoning our community, said Sgt. Patrick Buturla of the police department’s Crime Prevention Unit, which led the effort.

“We will continue to enforce these laws and take all necessary action against offenders.”

Mayor Dorinda Borer, who worked on youth vaping laws when she was a state representative, has been focusing on this area, saying, “While I am disappointed to see we still have some stores in violation, I am encouraged that the noncompliant list has dropped considerably in the past few months.

“Perhaps word is out that we are taking this seriously and will continually have these compliance checks until everyone gets the message that we are no longer allowing stores to make a profit from illegally contributing toward the youth vaping health crisis.”

Tobacco retailers are licensed by the state Department of Revenue Services. Inspection results are referred to the DRS for possible administrative action.