3 Southington Businesses Cited for Selling Tobacco to Underage Customers

Three Southington businesses have been cited for selling tobacco to minors during unannounced compliance inspections conducted this week by the Southington Police Department and state enforcement officials.

According to police, on May 12, the Southington Police Department Detective and Patrol Divisions, along with staff members from the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program (TPEP), conducted unannounced compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products. These inspections were performed in an effort to determine compliance with state laws concerning theprohibition of the sale of cigarettes and/or tobacco products to teens younger than 18. 

A total of 37 unannounced compliance inspections were conducted. Of this total, three establishments were found to be in violation of Connecticut General Statute, Sec. 53-344(b), Sale of tobacco to minors under eighteen.  

The offending clerks at these establishments were issued an infraction that carries a $200 fine. The Cigarette Dealer License holder at each establishment also faces additional administrative sanctions from the Department of Revenue Services (DRS), the state agency that issues Cigarette Dealer Licenses.

The establishments found to be in violation are as follows:

Mobil: 301 Queen St.

7-Eleven: 777 Queen St.

Smokers Discount World: 1079 Queen St.