ALE Cite 18 Stores For Selling Tobacco to Minors

Ten ALE agents checked 154 retail establishments, mostly gas stations and convenience stores, in Durham, Orange, Vance and Wake counties.

"Overall, clerks working in retail outlets do a good job of checking identification and verifying that their customers are of legal age to purchase tobacco products," ALE Director Mike Robertson said. "For those who do not check, the fine can be steep."

Agents issued four citations each at stores in Hillsborough and Raleigh, three each in Durham and Garner, two in Henderson, and one each in Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs.

"The good news is that during the past few years, the number of stores out of compliance has been decreasing," Robertson said. "ALE agents will continue their enforcement efforts to help prevent underage tobacco sales."

Selling tobacco to a minor is a Class II misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $1,000 or 30-days community service.