Six Greenwich Businesses Caught Selling Tobacco to Minors

Unannounced compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products in Greenwich were conducted by the Greenwich Police Dept’s Community Impact Section, members of the State of Connecticut Dept of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Tobacco Prevention & Enforcement Program (TPEP).

The inspections checked compliance with state laws prohibiting the sale of cigarettes and/or tobacco products to youth under the age of 18.

Under the direction and supervision of DMHAS investigators, an underage youth, employed by the Tobacco Prevention & Enforcement Program, entered establishments and attempted to purchase tobacco products.

A total of 10 unannounced compliance inspections were conducted. Six establishments were found to be in violation of the General Statute of Connecticut, Sec. 53-344(b), Sale of tobacco to Minors under 18.

The offending clerks at these establishments were issued infractions in the amount of $300.

The Cigarette Dealer license holder at each business faces sanctions from the Dept of Revenue Services, the state agency that issues Cigarette Dealer Licenses.