October 29, 2008, Canton, MI - The Canton Police Departments Special Enforcement Unit conducted alcohol and tobacco sales checks during the month of October.  Decoy minors attempted to purchase either alcohol or tobacco at 12 businesses in Canton.  Five businesses sold to a minor decoy, while seven refused the sale.  A complete list of the locations checked is shown below:

Business Name            Location              Status

Canton Party Store     43431 Michigan     Sold alcohol to minor
Grapevine Party Store 44285 Ford           Sold alcohol to minor
Country Deli              7349 N. Lilley        Sold alcohol to minor
Marathon Gas            41479 Michigan     Did not sell alcohol
Pinetree Market         42444 Ford           Did not sell alcohol

Discount Beverage     8673 N. Lilley        Sold tobacco to minor
Marathon Gas           42438 Warren        Sold tobacco to minor
BP Gas                    8787 N. Sheldon     Did not sell tobacco
Sunoco Gas              42495 Joy             Did not sell tobacco
Mobil Gas                 44350 Warren        Did not sell tobacco
Rite Aid                  2249 N. Canton Ctr Did not sell tobacco
Cantonian Market     50545 Cherry Hill    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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