PD: Four clerks charged with violating CT tobacco sale laws

SOUTHBURY — Clerks at four local retailers were recently cited after police say they were caught selling tobacco products to underage buyers.

With the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program, Southbury Police Officers Matthew Ezzo and Stephen Houle conducted unannounced compliance checks in town Wednesday.

The inspections were performed at 17 local businesses to determine compliance with state laws prohibiting retailers from selling tobacco, vape and other related products to people under the age of 21.

Clerks at four of those businesses — the Citgo/Wheels on Southford Road, Mobil/ Southbury Convenience off Exit 16, Kiran Mart on Southford Road and Southford Package Store on Southford Road — did not follow the law, according to police.

Noting that retailers are required to inspect the photo ID of anyone who appears to be under the age of 30 before selling them a tobacco product or electronic cigarette, police said the four clerks were each issued a $300 first-time infraction.