NEW MILFORD — In a push to enforce state laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco and electronic cigarettes to individuals under 21, the New Milford Police Department, alongside the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program, performed surprise inspections at local retailers on April 25.
During the compliance checks, authorities scrutinized nine establishments to assess their adherence to the regulations requiring the inspection of photo IDs for anyone who appears to be under 30 before purchasing tobacco products or e-cigarettes.
Out of the nine businesses inspected, four were found to be non-compliant with Connecticut General Statutes Section 53-344, related to the sale of tobacco to persons under 21, or Section 53-344b, regarding the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.
Clerks at these stores received a $300 fine for the first-time infraction.
The New Milford Police Department has forwarded the results of the non-compliant inspections to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, which licenses tobacco retailers in the state, for possible further administrative action.
The non-compliant retailers included Aladdin Smoke Shop, Valero Food Mart, the Sunoco Gas Station operated by 7-Eleven, and New Milly Smokeshop, all located on Danbury Road in New Milford.
