Retailers Charged in Tobacco Sting

ZION, Ill. -- Six out of 10 retailers targeted by the Zion Police Department in an undercover investigation of underage tobacco sales illegally sold tobacco to minors, The Chicago Tribune reported.Police working in conjunction with the Coalition for Healthy Communities sent people younger than 18 into 10 stores to buy tobacco products, according to police. Four of the targeted stores refused to sell tobacco to the underage buyers.In all, 12 employees were arrested, and their employers could face penalties ranging from fines to revocation of their tobacco license, according to authorities.The six stores charged with selling tobacco illegally, all in Zion, were reported by police as Jim's Amoco; Tony's Citgo; Zion Gas; Marathon Gas; a Shell Food Mart and Jewel/Osco.The Coalition for Healthy Communities is composed of community leaders from Zion, Winthrop Harbor and Beach Park. The group monitors public health issues in the area and has taken a strong stand against underage smoking.