Six establishments sold tobacco to minors, police say

Six Plainville establishments Tuesday were found to be in violation of a state statute regarding the sale of tobacco and/or cigarettes to minors under the age of 18. The violations of Connecticut General Statute 53-344(b) were found during an unannounced compliance inspection of 27 establishments that sell tobacco products in town.

The inspections were performed by officers of the Plainville Police Department and the staff members of the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program.

Under the direction and supervision of DMHAS investigators, an underage youth, employed by the Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program, entered establishments and attempted to purchase tobacco products, police said. The offending clerks at these businesses were charged by the Plainville Police and fined $200 each.

The following establishments were found in violation: Fas Mart Store, 67 E. Main St.; VJ Farms, 263 East St.; Plainville Citgo, 383 New Britain Ave.; Paul's Getty, 301 East St.; Town & Country Discount Liquors, 383 Farmington Ave.; and Exxon Food Mart, 147 N. Washington St.

The cigarette dealer license holder at each establishment also faces additional administrative sanctions from the Department of Revenue Services, the state agency that issues cigarette dealer licenses.