January 29, 2008, Canton, MI - The Canton Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted alcohol and tobacco sales checks during the month of January.  Decoy minors attempted to purchase either alcohol or tobacco at 14 businesses in Canton.  Two businesses sold to the minor decoy, while twelve refused the sale.  A complete list of the locations checked is shown below:

 Business Name -  Location - Status

 Country Deli - 7349 N. Lilley - Sold alcohol to minor
 Maria’s Bakery -  115 N. Haggerty -  Did not sell alcohol
 Pinetree Market -  42444 Ford -  Did not sell alcohol
 Cracker Barrel -  41741 Ford -   Did not sell alcohol
 Rite Aid  -  180 S. Lilley  -  Did not sell alcohol
 CVS  -  225 N. Sheldon  -   Did not sell alcohol

 Rite Aid  - 180 S. Lilley -  Sold tobacco to minor
 Mobil Gas -  42421 Cherry Hill - Did not sell tobacco
 Rite Aid  - 2249 N. Canton Center  -  Did not sell tobacco
 Oakview Party Store  - 42256 Palmer -  Did not sell tobacco
 Cracker Barrel - 41741 Ford -  Did not sell tobacco
 CVS  -  1791 S. Haggerty -  Did not sell tobacco
 CVS  -   225 N. Sheldon  -  Did not sell tobacco
 CVS  -  7269 N. Canton Center -  Did not sell tobacco

The Special Enforcement Unit has performed alcohol and tobacco compliance checks at local businesses for the past several years.  The SEU utilizes a “zero tolerance” enforcement strategy when dealing with violations of alcohol and tobacco sales to minors.  Under local ordinance, alcohol sales to under age persons as the result of an undercover operation result in a civil infraction ticket being issued to the server or salesperson with a fine of not more than $100.00.  The establishment is cited for a Liquor Control Commission (LCC) violation, resulting in an administrative hearing with the LCC.  Sales of tobacco products to persons under age 18 result in a misdemeanor ticket being issued to the sales person with a fine of up to $50.00.

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