December 27, 2007, Canton, MI - The Canton Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted alcohol and tobacco sales checks during the month of December.  Decoy minors attempted to purchase either alcohol or tobacco at 18 businesses in Canton.  Eleven businesses sold to the minor decoy, while seven refused the sale.  A complete list of the locations checked is shown below:

Business Name      Location            Status

Mexican Fiesta      44401 Ford         Sold alcohol to minor
Pinetree Market     42444 Ford         Sold alcohol to minor
Don Pablos           39895 Ford         Sold alcohol to minor
Texas Coral          43750 Ford         Sold alcohol to minor
7-11          7171 N. Canton Center   Sold alcohol to minor
Four Friends         44282 Warren      Sold alcohol to minor
Tryst Nightclub     8663 N. Lilley       Sold alcohol to minor
Crow’s Nest   6166 N. Canton Center Sold alcohol to minor
Pizza Hut             44995 Ford          Did not sell alcohol
LaShish        1699 N. Canton Center Did not sell alcohol
TC Gators            42775 Ford          Did not sell alcohol

Speedway Gas      5596 N. Lilley       Sold tobacco to minor
Valero Gas            41350 Ford         Sold tobacco to minor
Smoker’s Express   45156 Ford          Did not sell tobacco
Pinetree Market     42444 Ford          Did not sell tobacco
Marathon Gas        41479 Michigan    Did not sell tobacco
7-11          7171 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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