Retailers Heed Sales Law
LOCKPORT, N.Y.
Only 7 percent of the Niagara County stores checked for compliance with the law against selling cigarettes to minors were caught in violation during the year that ended Sept. 30.
County Environmental Health Director James Devald reported that 195 checks were made, primarily by teenagers hired by the Health Department or by local police entering the store and trying to buy cigarettes. Fourteen stores sold the cigarettes to the minors; they were fined a total of $5,150. Devald declined to name the companies that were fined.
Devald said the compliance figures were comparable to the two preceding years.
The Lockport, Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda police departments all signed agreements with the county to assist in the enforcement effort and receive a share of the fines paid.
Only 7 percent of the Niagara County stores checked for compliance with the law against selling cigarettes to minors were caught in violation during the year that ended Sept. 30.
County Environmental Health Director James Devald reported that 195 checks were made, primarily by teenagers hired by the Health Department or by local police entering the store and trying to buy cigarettes. Fourteen stores sold the cigarettes to the minors; they were fined a total of $5,150. Devald declined to name the companies that were fined.
Devald said the compliance figures were comparable to the two preceding years.
The Lockport, Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda police departments all signed agreements with the county to assist in the enforcement effort and receive a share of the fines paid.