Illinois Retailers Face "Stings"
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. -- The Downers Grove Police Department has been awarded a $5,174 grant to establish an educational program, combined with tobacco enforcement on retail sales to minors.
Police have received the grant three straight years from the Illinois Liquor Commission. The initiative will target all retailers that sell tobacco products over the counter or in vending machines.
Downers Grove retailers have responded positively to the compliance checks. In 2000, 28 businesses sold to a minor, including nine of those businesses that sold tobacco twice during the three-phase checks. Just three businesses sold tobacco products to a minor during last year's checks.
This year's program will be implemented in four phases, beginning with educational packets being delivered to retailers followed by three compliance checks. Retailers who sell tobacco to a minor will be cited and face fines and a suspension of tobacco licenses.
Police have received the grant three straight years from the Illinois Liquor Commission. The initiative will target all retailers that sell tobacco products over the counter or in vending machines.
Downers Grove retailers have responded positively to the compliance checks. In 2000, 28 businesses sold to a minor, including nine of those businesses that sold tobacco twice during the three-phase checks. Just three businesses sold tobacco products to a minor during last year's checks.
This year's program will be implemented in four phases, beginning with educational packets being delivered to retailers followed by three compliance checks. Retailers who sell tobacco to a minor will be cited and face fines and a suspension of tobacco licenses.