March 23, 2009, Canton, MI - The Canton Police Departments Special Enforcement Unit conducted alcohol and tobacco sales checks during the month of March. Decoy minors attempted to purchase either alcohol or tobacco at 19 businesses in Canton. Two businesses sold to a minor decoy, while 17 refused the sale. A complete list of the locations checked is shown below:

Business Name; Location; Status

CVS; 45300 Cherry Hill; Did not sell alcohol
CVS; 7269 N. Canton Center; Did not sell alcohol
7-11; 7171 N. Canton Center; Did not sell alcohol
Mirage Party Store; 3177 Sheldon; Did not sell alcohol
EnJoy Party Store; 39457 Joy; Did not sell alcohol
Country Deli; 7349 N. Lilley; Did not sell alcohol
CVS; 1791 S. Haggerty; Did not sell alcohol
Canton Party Store; 43431 Michigan; Did not sell alcohol
Cantonian Market; 50545 Cherry Hill; Did not sell alcohol
Rite Aid; 2249 Canton Center; Did not sell alcohol
Smokers Express; 45156 Ford; Did not sell alcohol
Oakview Party Store; 42256 Palmer; Did not sell alcohol

Sunoco; 42495 Joy; Sold tobacco to minor
BP Gas; 45495 Michigan; Sold tobacco to minor
Oakview Party Store; 42256 Palmer; Did not sell tobacco
CVS; 1791 S. Haggerty; Did not sell tobacco
Pinetree Party Store; 42444 Ford; Did not sell tobacco
Speedway Gas; 45350 Ford; Did not sell tobacco
EnJoy Party Store; 39457 Joy; 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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